Male Betta
Betta splendens
Bettas are known for their jewel-bright colors and spectacular fins. They
are also known as Siamese fighting fish due to the male bettas extreme
aggressiveness toward other bettas. In their place of origin, Southeast Asia,
bettas often live in small puddles, so they do well in smaller habitats.
Is a male betta the right choice for your aquarium?
Yes No Check Yes or No after reading the following statements:
1. I have room for an appropriate size aquarium.
2. The male betta would be compatible with my other aquarium
inhabitants.
3. I can commit to providing proper care for this male betta.
4. A mature person will provide responsible and primary care for this fish.
If you answered, Yes to these statements, a male betta may be the right choice for you! Continue reading about
how to care for a betta and consult with a PETCO associate to learn more. PETCO is committed to responsible
aquarium care.
Average Size 2 inches long, not including tail Life Span Up to 4 years with proper care
Diet Food may be flaked, tablet or frozen
Feed a variety of food to ensure complete nutrition
Feeding Feed sparingly 3 times per week and no more than a fish can eat in three to five minutes;
overfeeding can quickly foul the water, especially in smaller, unfiltered aquariums
Bettas are primarily protein eaters, and cannot survive by eating plant roots
Housing Bettas must be able to breathe from the surface of the water; their long fins makes them
prefer water with little or no movement or current
Male bettas are usually kept individually in smaller containers or aquariums, but do best in
containers of one liter or larger; as with all animals provide the largest habitat possible. They
can live successfully in a community tank that does not have aggressive fish (such as tiger
barbs) or fish that bettas may become aggressive toward (such as fancy guppies)
Bettas acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme
temperature change; aquarium should never be in direct sunlight or in a drafty area; water
temperature should range from 64 F to 82 F, with mid to high 70s preferred
A popular way to keep bettas is in a vase with plants; make sure there is air between the
water and bottom of the plant for the betta to breathe
Stable water quality, water temperature, and pH levels are critical to the health of fish.
If you are unsure of your water quality or pH levels, PETCO provides free water testing.
Recommended Appropriate size aquarium Water conditioner
Supplies
Commercial betta food Water test kit
Filter Net
Substrate and dcor Book about bettas
PETCO Care Sheets: Water Quality; Nitrogen Cycle; Setting up a Freshwater
Aquarium
2005, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. (0726) 1 of 2
Male Betta
Betta splendens
Characteristics Breathe from the waters surface with their labyrinth organ as well as through their gills
Will flare fins when threatened or disturbed
Will attack another betta; males have also been known to attack similar-looking fish with
flowing fins (for example angels, guppies, and swordtails)
Habitat Check filter, other equipment and water temperature daily
Maintenance
Test water quality weekly
Do complete water change for small bowls (less than 2 gallons) once or twice weekly; in larger
aquariums, change 1025% of the total volume of water every two to four weeks, or as
needed
Compatibility Male bettas must be kept in individual tanks or be the only betta in a community aquarium
Do not keep males and female together unless both are ready to breed; remove female after
spawning
Signs of a Active and alert Eats eagerly
Healthy Fish Vibrant colors Reacts aggressively to outside stimulus
Common Health Issue (alpha) Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action
Health Issues
Fin Rot Frayed or disintegrating fins; Improve water quality; commercial
the base of the fins usually treatments may be effective
reddens
Ich White spots appear on fins Quarantine fish immediately; use
and body; fish rubs against commercial Ich remedy for at least
hard objects or swims two weeks
awkwardly
Signs of Illness Loss of appetite Spots or fungus on body or mouth
Labored breathing Listlessness
Frayed fins Staying at the bottom of the tank
If you notice any of these signs, test water quality and improve as necessary.
Preventing Avoid crowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease
Common
Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration
Health Issues
Sources All About Bettas by Walt Maurus
Aquarium Fish by Dick Mills
The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums by David E. Boruchowitz
Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional
information, please refer to the above sources or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
2 of 2 SKU 926965 2005, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. (0726)
