Betta Basics: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Little Fighter Happy #speciesspotlight

This week we are going to discuss one of the most popular aquarium fish species, the Betta! Starring the photo this week is Dr. Koll's favorite office fish of all time, "Serenity Ao Mittens." Did you know, "Ao," means blue in Japanese?

With their vibrant colors and flowing fins, bettas are a captivating addition to any home. But their beauty can be deceptive! Also called, "Siamese Fighting Fish," male bettas are highly territorial and will fight other males. Therefore they should not be kept in the same tank. These feisty little fish have other specific needs that must be met to ensure they thrive. This week we will explore housing, feeding and training (yes , training!) information to keep these fish healthy and happy!

Bettas are usually sold at age one year or older to allow time for their fins and colors to develop. Their lifespan is 2-5 years, so proper care is of utmost importance to maximize your time with your friend. 

Contrary to popular belief, bettas are not "bowl fish." While they can survive in small spaces, they deserve better. A small tank means an unhealthy tank, and bettas do not live as long and often become sick in a small tank. A 5-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size, allowing for better water quality and space to swim and explore. 

Filters and heaters are also important! A filter will keep the water quality healthier for longer, making it easier on you! Regular water changes of 40-50% every week are essential to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of harmful ammonia and nitrates. Make sure the water is dechlorinated. With a well-kept filter, you can do a 20% water change every 2-3 weeks without a water change. A, “low-flow,” filter should be used so their fins don't become harmed. The ideal temperature range for a betta is 78-82F, which a heater can help you maintain.

A well-decorated tank with caves, plants, and driftwood provides them with a sense of security and comfort, though be sure not to overcrowd the tank. Avoid sharp decorations that could injure their delicate fins. Silks are better than plastics, and avoid metal all together. Live plants will improve the water quality, and are the unsung heroes of a healthy betta environment. Anubias, Amazon Swords and Java Ferns are all good examples. Also, a floating environment like Water Lettuce and Frogbit, or a betta log, is always welcome since betta like to be near the top of the water, though make sure they can reach the surface. Bettas can jump, so your aquarium should have a lid, but it should not be airtight or they can suffocate. Lighting should mimic day-night cycles, so don't leave a light on all night. 

Look out tomorrow for the next installment!

Bettas are carnivores, and in the wild they eat insects and insect larvae. Their diet should consist of high-quality betta pellets, flakes, and occasional treats of live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. But avoid overfeeding! It's fun to feed our finny friends, but too much food will make them fat and unhealthy, and negatively affect the tank’s water quality. However, underfeeding is also a problem! A betta that is not eating enough will use all of its fat stores and start breaking down muscle. A good rule of thumb is to give just enough food that your betta can eat in about 3-5 minutes twice a day, and do not allow the leftover food to settle in the tank. 

Bettas are known for their aggressive nature and they do not get lonely. Females can even become aggressive when housed together! However, some peaceful tank mates can be introduced. Snails and shrimp can cohabitate with a betta, though be aware you may need to clean the tank more frequently. Always research compatibility before adding any new fish. 

Training and Exercising Your Betta Fish - this has been the most fun part of this blog to write! Training and exercising your betta can enhance their quality of life and strengthen the bond between you and your aquatic companion. In addition to mental stimulation, betta fish also benefit from regular exercise to maintain their physical health. Bettas are intelligent creatures with individual personalities. They enjoy exploring their environment and engaging in activities that challenge them mentally. By observing your betta's behavior, you can tailor training sessions to suit their preferences and abilities. This is an overview of some things you can train your fintastic friend to do, and there is plenty of information and videos out there to help guide you further!

Before diving into training techniques, it's crucial to start by providing your betta with a spacious and enriched environment. Like we discussed earlier this week, a properly sized aquarium (at least 5 gallons) with hiding spots, plants, and varied decorations will stimulate their natural instincts and encourage exploration. Betta fish also thrive in warm water (around 78-80°F) with a gentle filter to maintain water quality.

Here are some simple training and exercise techniques. Training and exercise should be performed a few times a week. Remember, the food rewards should be counted towards your fish’s daily diet so they do not overeat. Also, do not tap on the glass, as the sound pressure is 4x louder than the air and it is stressful and disorienting to the fish. 

1. You can first target train your fish by using a small stick or your finger as a target for your betta to follow. By associating the target with positive reinforcement, such as food rewards, you can teach your betta to follow commands and perform tricks. 

1. Feeding Time Games: Incorporate mental stimulation into feeding time by using floating food puzzles or placing food in different areas of the tank. This encourages your betta to search for their food, mimicking natural hunting behaviors.

2. Obstacle Courses: Set up a mini obstacle course using floating objects or plants. Encourage your betta to navigate through the course by placing treats or food at the end as a reward. There are even commercial products, such as hoops, to teach your betta to swim through!

3. Swimming Challenges: Create a current in the tank using a gentle filter or air stone to provide resistance for your betta to swim against. This mimics their natural environment and helps build muscle tone.

Training and exercising your betta fish is not only beneficial for their physical health but also enhances their overall well-being and happiness. By understanding their behavior and providing a stimulating environment, you can strengthen the bond with your betta and enjoy watching them thrive in their aquatic home. Remember to be patient and consistent in your training efforts, and always prioritize your betta's welfare above all else.

Betta fish can breathe air! They have a labyrinth organ that allows them to take in oxygen directly from the surface for short periods. But if your betta is continuously jumping out of the water, it can be a sign of poor water quality.

Bettas make bubble nests!! When a male betta makes a bubble nest, it shows he has reached sexual maturity. They usually construct them under floating objects or on the sides of the tank. A bubble nest provides a secure environment for the eggs and fry. Bettas will make a bubble nest even without the presence of a female, and even if they are in stressful conditions. 

There are 73 varieties of betta, and they come in many colors. Betta fish colors are not just determined by genetics but can also change based on light, environment, health and stress.

This is the last installment of this week's species. Contact us today with any questions, or to set up an appointment, and look out for us next week for a very different species - the freshwater stingray!