I have noticed we dont have a very accurate caresheet for bettas so I though I would write one up for everyone to have a quick guide.

I will do my best to make this a complete guide on the proper setup and care for these often mis-understood little fish.



Species:Betta Splendens

Lifespan:Up to six years depending on several factors.

Size:2.5 inches,average

Betta are labrynth fishes,having a complex organ allowing them to breathe atmospheric air.This is a great adaptation,but they will drown if they have no surface air to breathe.Please keep this in mind when setting up a tank for your fish.

Note:The betta found in our petstores are a product of cross breeding different bettas in the splendens complex,so to truly say they are splendens is not exactly true.However its a common usage so when many hear talk of the splendens they think of the flowy finned fishes.

This species is highly aggressive to its own kind.Caution should be expressed whenever placing them with other fish,and placing with their own kind will usually result in death or injury to one or both fish.

Housing:Betta should be housed in at least three gallon tanks.Water is not important as far as the ph and such as long as its kept clean.High ammonia content is detrimental to all fishes,but in betta fish it brings about severe finrot.Of course the bigger the tank,the better and the fish will benefit from a larger setup.Any setup needs to be covered well,as betta can jump.Its surprising how accurate they can be!Not only will it keep Mr.fish in but it serves another purpose,humidity.Males need warm humid air for nest building.Another thing many do not think of is cycling the tank for the fish.As mentioned high levels of ammonia and generally poor water quality can lead to finrot,as well as other diseases.It is highly recommended to fully cycle the tank as per the fishless cycle sticky,here:The Fishless Cycle

BETTAS DO NOT LIVE IN PUDDLES!This is a myth.A bad myth.Betta splendens are found in rice paddies,which while they are shallow,they are expansive!Placing a fish in a bowl is inhumane.The fish needs to have clean filtered water as any other fish.Sitting in a cold bowl will lead to fatty buildup around the heart causing an early death.These little fish are very active if setup PROPERLY.



Temp:Betta are tropical fish,needing warm water.A stable temp of 82-86F is highly recommended,with 84 being a good inbetween.An adjustable heater rated for your size tank is a necessity.

Decor:WHen decorating your tank keep in mind the inhabitant(s).Betta fins are beautiful,but the length can be a down fall to the fish.The fins are easily caught on sharp objects and torn,which I am sure you can imagine how painful this can be.You can do a simple test,with a pair of panty hose.Run the panty hose over the decor,and if it snags it will snag the fishes fins as well.Plastic plants being one of the main things that snag fins,I suggest either silk,or even better,live.

Tankmates:This is a hard subject to touch upon,as different bettas have different personalities.Some may be pretty lax and live happily with other fish while others will be so full of aggression they wipe out any fish present in their tank.As a general rule though,Any fast,non aggressive,non flashy fish should do well.

So basically thats it!Keep mr fish warm and clean and things should go well!

Questions comments anything left out?

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http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

ive seen special food for bettas, do they need this or will they be ok with the food im feeding my guppies?

Guppies are more omnivores,and bettas insectivores.It would be best to get the bettas the special food.I myself use a mixture of all sorts including Attisons betta food,made by Ocean Nutrition,Omega one small pellets(these are for the larger wilds,but I know they make a smaller pellet for bettas)Frozen bloodworms and new life spectrum pellets.

__________________
http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

I've been feeding my female betta, named Sabra, TetraBetta Plus Floating
Mini Pellets and Top Fin Freeze-Dried Bloodworms.
A big thank you majerah1 for your very thorough caresheet. It has come
in very handy since starting up my betta tank.
What a beautiful fish !!