Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC
(173) Assorted Betta Fish (Male)
(173) Assorted Betta Fish (Male)
Precio habitual
$18.00 USD
Precio habitual
Precio de oferta
$18.00 USD
Los gastos de envío se calculan en la pantalla de pago.
Cantidad
No se pudo cargar la disponibilidad de retiro
The betta fish (Betta splendens), also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is a popular freshwater aquarium fish belonging to the gourami family (Osphronemidae). They are renowned for their vibrant colors, elaborate fins (in males), and aggressive nature towards other bettas.
Key Characteristics
- Aggression: Male bettas are highly territorial and will fight other males to the death, hence the name "fighting fish". They must always be housed alone. Females can sometimes be housed together in large, appropriately set-up "sorority" tanks, but this requires caution.
- Breathing: Bettas possess a specialized organ called the labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air directly from the water's surface in addition to extracting oxygen from the water with their gills.
- Appearance: Through selective breeding, bettas come in a vast array of colors (blue, red, green, purple, multi-color, etc.) and fin types (veiltail, halfmoon, crowntail, plakat, etc.). Males are typically more colorful with long, flowing fins, while females have shorter fins and more subdued, though still varied, coloration.
- Size: They typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 inches in length.
- Lifespan: With proper care, they typically live for 2 to 4 years, though some can live longer.
Care and Habitat Requirements
Despite common misconceptions that they can thrive in small bowls or vases, bettas require specific conditions to be healthy and happy:
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum of 5 gallons (approx. 19 liters) is recommended. Larger is always better. |
| Water Temperature | Tropical fish; prefer warm water between 76°F and 81°F (24°C - 27°C). A heater is essential in most climates. |
| Filtration | A gentle filter (like a sponge filter or one with adjustable flow) is necessary, as strong currents can stress them or damage their long fins. |
| Decor | Need hiding places, such as live or silk plants (plastic plants can tear fins), caves, and other decorations. |
| Tank Mates | Best housed alone. Peaceful tank mates for larger tanks (10+ gallons) might include snails, shrimp, or certain non-aggressive fish like pygmy corydoras, but this requires caution. |
| Diet | Carnivores. High-quality betta pellets should form the staple diet, supplemented with occasional frozen or freeze-dried treats like bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp. |
Behavior
Bettas are interactive and intelligent fish. They can be trained to follow fingers, swim through hoops, or even learn basic tricks. Male bettas often engage in "flaring" behavior (extending their gill covers and fins) when they see another fish, their reflection, or sometimes just to exercise or show dominance.
Betta fish (Betta splendens), also known as Siamese fighting fish, are popular tropical freshwater pets renowned for their vibrant colors and elaborate fins. They are native to Southeast Asia and have a unique "labyrinth organ" that allows them to breathe air from the water's surface, a trait that helps them survive in shallow, oxygen-poor environments like rice paddies.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: Through selective breeding, bettas now come in a vast array of colors (red, blue, green, marble, koi, etc.) and fin types (veiltail, halfmoon, crowntail, plakat, etc.). Males typically have longer, flowing fins and brighter colors than females.
- Size & Lifespan: They generally grow to about 2.5–3 inches in body length and have an average lifespan of 3–5 years in captivity with proper care.
- Temperament: Males are highly territorial and aggressive toward other males, and should be housed alone. They may also be aggressive toward females outside of breeding. Females can sometimes be kept in a group (a "sorority") in a large enough tank with plenty of hiding spots.
Essential Care Requirements
While hardy, bettas thrive in proper conditions, not just a small bowl.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | A minimum of a 5-gallon tank is recommended for a single betta. Larger is always better for stability and enrichment. |
| Water Temp | As tropical fish, they need a consistent water temperature of 76–81°F (24–27°C), maintained with an aquarium heater. |
| Filtration | A gentle, low-flow filter (like a sponge filter) is crucial to keep the water clean without creating a strong current that can damage their fins. |
| Water Quality | Tap water must be treated with a water conditioner to remove harmful chlorine and heavy metals. Regular water changes (25% weekly) are necessary to keep water parameters stable. |
| Diet | Bettas are carnivores. Feed a high-quality, protein-rich diet of betta-specific pellets or flakes, supplemented with frozen or freeze-dried treats like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Avoid overfeeding, as their stomach is roughly the size of their eyeball. |
| Environment | The tank needs a secure lid, as bettas are known jumpers. Provide plenty of cover with silk or live plants and decorations (caves, driftwood) that lack sharp edges to prevent fin injuries. |
Behavior & Interaction
Bettas are surprisingly intelligent and can learn to recognize their owners and even be taught simple tricks, such as following a finger or eating from a hand. Providing mental stimulation through a well-decorated tank and occasional new challenges helps prevent boredom and lethargy
