Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Minimum Tank
5 Gallons
Adult Size
3 inches
Temperature
76-82°F (24-28°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
About Betta Fish
The betta, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, originates from the shallow rice paddies, floodplains, and slow-moving streams of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Males are famous for their elaborate finnage and intense coloring, which have been selectively bred over centuries into dozens of tail types including halfmoon, crowntail, and plakat. Bettas possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, an adaptation to their oxygen-poor natural habitats. Males are highly territorial and will flare their gill covers and fins as a threat display toward rivals. Despite their aggressive reputation toward other males, bettas can be surprisingly personable and often learn to recognize their keepers.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 5-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Labyrinth
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Carnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Despite common misconceptions, bettas need at least a 5-gallon heated and filtered tank to thrive. Keep the water temperature stable between 76-82°F and maintain a gentle filter flow, as strong currents stress their long fins. Never house two males together, and be cautious with female bettas as well unless you have experience with sorority setups. Provide floating plants or broad leaves near the surface where bettas like to rest. Feed a varied diet of quality betta pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Watch for fin rot, which often results from poor water quality or temperature drops.
Quick Facts
19L
Min Tank (5gal)
8cm
Adult Size (3")
3yr
Lifespan
1+
Can Keep Solo
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Betta Fish
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Tank Mates for Betta Fish
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Harlequin Rasbora
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
easy · 10+ gal
Lambchop Rasbora
Trigonostigma espei
easy · 10+ gal
Mystery Snail
Pomacea bridgesii
easy · 10+ gal
Flame Tetra
Hyphessobrycon flammeus
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Betta Fish need?
A Betta Fish needs a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 litres).
What water parameters does a Betta Fish need?
Betta Fish thrive in water between 76-82°F (24-28°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Betta Fish easy to care for?
Betta Fish are considered easy to care for. They are semi-aggressive fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Betta Fish get and what do they eat?
Betta Fish reach about 3 inches and are carnivores. Despite common misconceptions, bettas need at least a 5-gallon heated and filtered tank to thrive. Keep the water temperature stable between 76-82°F and maintain a gentle filter flow, as strong currents stress their long fins. Never house two males together, and be cautious with female bettas as well unless you have experience with sorority setups. Provide floating plants or broad leaves near the surface where bettas like to rest. Feed a varied diet of quality betta pellets supplemented with frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Watch for fin rot, which often results from poor water quality or temperature drops.