BETTA CARE
Probably one of the most beautiful freshwater fish found in the world is the male Siamese fighting fish (also called Betta). Males cannot be kept together because they will fight. This is where their name, “Siamese fighting fish”, comes from. Individuals can be kept in small bowls. They are graceful, slow moving, and are one of the very few fish that can truly get air from the surface when necessary. Female Betta's can be kept together if desired, as they are not as aggressive as the males.
General Diet:
A general good quality Siamese Fighting fish flake or pellet food is a must for your Betta’s basic diet. The most important thing to remember about feeding fish is that it is very easy to over feed them, and it is very hard to starve any fish. So feed only once a day or even better every other day, and give only 4 to 6 flakes or pellets to your fish.
Treats/Extra Foods:
Different types of special fish foods should be offered at least twice a week instead of the basic diet. Variety is important. These extra foods can include frozen or freeze-dried brine shrimp, bloodworms, and other types of “meat”. Betta's are carnivorous fish.
Housing:
A fish bowl can be used for Betta's, although they can be kept in a fish tank with other types of tropical freshwater fish. But some fish may pick on Betta's and Betta's may go after some fish, so be sure all fish will get along by asking us if all your fish will be compatible. One inch of gravel at the bottom will provide enough surface area for the good bacteria that help break down some of the Betta’s waste. A filter is not necessary, but it is recommended. Tap water can be used, but a water conditioner must be added to the water to remove chemicals like chlorine and heavy metals which can kill fish.
Sanitation/General Care:
Feed fish once every day to every other day. It is best, and much less stressful to the fish, to do small water changes more frequently than large ones once in a while. For bowls or tanks less than four gallons, change approximately one cup of water every day, and one half of the water twice to three times a month by putting half of the water and the fish in a bucket and then cleaning the gravel inside the container. For tanks over four gallons, change 10% of the water once a week, and once a month remove one third or so of the tank water by siphoning the water through the gravel with a gravel vacuum. Cleaning the gravel will keep the good bacteria healthy and take out excess solid wastes.
Health Care:
Fish will catch diseases whenever they become too stressed. Moving from one tank or bowl to another, not changing water frequently, overfeeding, and adding too many fish at once can be causes of stress. Keep only one male Betta in a bowl or tank.
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