Siamese fighting fish is known as Betta. Betta is one of the most popular aquarium fish for the aquarist. Its origin came from Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Its colourful and flowing fins can attract anyone. Betta fish usually eat two to four pellets per day. Betta aquariums should provide ample space, filtration, and warm water conditions to thrive. Despite their aggression towards other bettas, they can display interactive behaviour and form bonds with their human caretakers, making them popular pets in the
aquarium hobby.

Tank Setup:

Many of us think that betta can be placed in a tiny containter. It’s completely our misconception about betta. To keep your betta healthy, you must keep your betta at least in a 2 gallon tank. The bigger tank will allow your betta to swim around and explore the environment. Keep a filter in your tank so that bacteria and other toxic elements cannot attack betta’s health.

Water Quality:

Water temperature of betta’s tank should be kept 70-80º F. Betta doesn’t get adjusted in cold water. To maintained warm water condition, using heater is must. Dechlorination agent is used to keep the water chemistry perfect. The pH is to be maintained within 6.5 to 8. Keep changing 20-30% water each week will allow your betta to have fresh water.

Feeding your Betta:

Betta needs protein based food. They tend to eat from the water surface. Since they are surface feeder, keep the surface clean and unobstructed. Feed twice daily and each time not more than 4 pellets. Betta is comfortable in different types of diet. Betta’s favorite list contains freezed dite and brine shrimp.

Decoration for Betta’s Tank:

Betta prefers hideout places and live plants inside. During tank setup, ensure few hideout places. Keep in mind that using any sharp edges may harm betta’s fin. Driftwoods can be used for the decoration of betta’s tank. Another very much common décor item is coconut cave for betta’s hideout.

Tank Mates:

Sometimes betta is too aggressive to live with other species. But it shows good response with non-aggressive fishes that don’t possess any long fins.

·        Mystery snails

·        Ghost shrimp

·        Neon tetra

·        Guppy

·        Clown plecos

Don’t put two male betta in a tank. They will fight each other and will cause serious injury to their body. Again, male shows aggression on female too. Keep male and female together only when they will tend to breed.

Tank Maintenance:

Weekly water change upto 30% can be done for larger tank. If it is small tank, change 100% water. Use dechlorinated new water while changing water. Check the pH level regularly. Remove uneaten foods from the substrate of tank. Check the performance of heater and filter also.