BETTA | SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH

• Bettas (Betta Splendens) are beautiful, tropical fish native to Southeast Asia.
  
• Have a special labyrinth organ in their heads which helps them to breathe air at the surface of the water, allowing them to live in small, oxygen-poor bodies of water.
• Very hardy and low maintenance; personable, but territorial towards other fish.
• Grow to be an average of 2 to 3 inches long and live an average of 3 to 5 years in captivity.
• Warning: Male bettas cannot live with other bettas! They will fight!

Diet

Bettas require a higher fiber intake than most tropical fish, and should be fed a small amount of “Betta” specific fish pellets or flakes, twice daily, as their main diet. Bettas can also be fed frozen Mysis or baby brine shrimp as a treat.

Housing

Male Bettas are extremely territorial, and will defend their homes by all costs; which is why they get their name “Siamese Fighting Fish.” Therefore, it’s best to keep male Bettas separate from other fish. Female Bettas are much more docile, however, and can be kept with other community fish.

Bettas are very low-maintenance, and can be kept in smaller enclosures such as fish bowls or vases. Their water should be at a constant temperature between 74 and 80°F. A routine partial water-change is required for normal upkeep; making sure to use a water conditioner with any water added to the tank, in order to rid of chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals from the water.