Pet Aqua, Betta Fish Care Guide. Chatham, Medway, Kent
Betta fish,
also known as Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most popular freshwater species in the hobby. They are hardy, full of character, and available in a remarkable range of colours and fin types. They are also one of the most misunderstood fish we sell, largely because they are still widely kept in small tanks that do not meet their needs.
This guide covers only some of the essentials: males, tank setup, fish to avoid, females and sororities, the varieties we stock, and feeding. Researching bettas yourself is the key to how you set up and maintain a betta tank.
Keeping Males
A single male betta is the simplest and most rewarding way to keep the species. Males are territorial by nature and will fight any other male placed in the same aquarium, often to the death. Only ever keep one male per tank. This is non-negotiable regardless of tank size. It is not recommended for a male to be kept in an aquarium with a female or multiple betta’s
A male betta does best as the showpiece fish in a properly filtered (slow flow), heated aquarium with plenty of cover. Given the right setup they are active, inquisitive and live longer.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
Use a slow flow filter. Sponge filters run with air pumps or hang-on filters with a gentle outflow are ideal. Betta fish come from slow-moving and standing waters such as floodplains, canals and rice paddies, so they are not built to swim against a strong current .
House your betta in an aquarium ideally larger than 60 litres. A larger tank gives the fish room to move away from any faster-flowing water created by the filter and allows for stable water conditions.
Keep the water warm and stable. Betta fish thrive in temperatures between roughly 24°C and 28°C.
Provide hiding places with plants, wood or décor so the fish can retreat and feel secure.
Keep only one male per aquarium.
Don't
Do not use powerful filters with a strong flow. Strong flow is one of the most common causes of serious stress and fatalities in betta fish. They are not strong swimmers and will be pushed around the tank, become exhausted, and suffer fin damage. A powerful internal filter is the wrong choice for this species.
Do not house a male with other bettas.
Do not keep bettas with species that will nip their fins or compete with them for territory.
Do not keep them in unheated bowls or tiny jars.
Fish to Avoid
Not every community fish is suitable alongside a betta. The following should be avoided:
Gouramis. Gouramis are related to bettas and share similar territory and behaviour. Housing them together regularly leads to conflict.
Guppies. Guppies are colourful, long-finned and active, which can trigger a betta's aggression. The betta may see the guppy's flowing fins as a rival, and guppies will also nip at a betta's fins. The two are best kept apart.
Small shrimps. A betta is a predator, and small shrimp such as cherry shrimp will often be hunted and eaten. Larger shrimp may be left alone, but in general shrimp and bettas are not a safe combination.
Fin nippers. Species known for nipping, such as tiger barbs and some tetras, will damage a betta's flowing fins. Long-finned varieties are especially vulnerable.
Other bettas. As covered above, one male only.
Choose peaceful, short-finned community fish that occupy different areas of the tank and will not compete with the betta for space at the surface.
Females and Sororities
Female bettas are less aggressive than males but they are not risk-free, and in our experience they are best kept on their own.
A female sorority — a group of female bettas kept together — is risky. Even the best-planned sorority, set up in a heavily planted aquarium with five or more females, can break down. It is common for one or more females to turn on the others, and the resulting injuries can be fatal.
We will sell multiple females, but always with a clear warning about the risks involved. We feel far more comfortable selling a single female. A single female kept in the right community aquarium, with suitable tankmates and plenty of cover, will settle well and live happily. This is the setup we recommend.
The Varieties
Koi. A marble pattern of red, white and black patches spread across the body, named for its resemblance to koi carp. The pattern is unpredictable and can shift as the fish matures .
Galaxy Koi. The koi pattern with an added layer of iridescent blue, turquoise or purple spots over the body, giving a starry, cosmic effect. One of the most visually striking strains available .
Nemo. Bold orange, white and black banding inspired by the clownfish. Bright, warm and increasingly popular .
Nemo Copper Metallic Galaxy. A complex combination of the Nemo pattern with a copper metallic sheen and galaxy marbling — orange, copper and metallic blue tones that shift under light .
Copper. A warm metallic copper or gold sheen across the body, often developed from iridescent copper lines .
Dragon. Thick, opaque metallic scaling over the body and head with a full mask effect, usually paired with contrasting fins .
Butterfly. A clear band of colour at the outer edge of the fins, distinct from the body colour, giving a banded wing-like effect .
Hellboy. A short-finned plakat built around a deep, blood-red body with a black mask across the face and black edging or washing through the fins. The red-and-black contrast gives it a bold, dramatic look, and it is a strong, active swimmer.
Alien. A hybrid strain crossed with wild betta species, producing a uniform metallic sheen of deep blue, emerald green or copper across thick, overlapping scales. Under the right light the scales take on an almost neon glow — an exotic, eye-catching fish unlike the standard domestic strains.
Candy Cane. A high-contrast marble of red and white, clean and bright like its namesake. The pattern can shift as the fish matures, which is part of its appeal .
Snow White. A pure, clean white fish with little to no other colour, prized for its crisp, platinum appearance. A standout in a planted tank where the white really pops .
Black Orchid. An all-black fish with a dark body and a splash of iridescent steel-blue colour between the rays of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins, giving the tail a burst of colour against the black.
Dumbo Ear. Defined by its oversized, wing-like pectoral fins that flutter as the fish swims, giving a graceful, floating movement. The dumbo-ear trait can be combined with almost any fin type and colour, so look for a fish with balanced, intact pectorals
Full Moon. A full 180-degree tail spread with solid, even colour carried right across the maximum fin area — a show-quality look that makes a real centrepiece fish .
Feeding
Betta fish are carnivorous and do best on a diet that reflects the insects and small invertebrates they would eat in the wild. A good quality granulate is the right staple.
We feed and recommend a quality granulate made for Pet Aqua that includes insects — an insect-based diet provides the high-protein, highly digestible nutrition betta fish need and supports strong colour and condition .
A granulate should form the backbone of the daily diet, but betta fish do best with variety. In the wild they are opportunistic feeders, taking insects and larvae from the surface of the water . Offering a range of foods replicates this and keeps the fish in better condition.
Foods to add alongside the granulate:
Frozen or live daphnia. An excellent regular supplement that is easy to digest and acts as a natural aid for the digestive system, helping to prevent constipation.
Frozen or live brine shrimp. Rich in omega fatty acids, which support colour and overall condition. Baby brine shrimp are particularly useful for growing fish and conditioning breeders.
Occasional bloodworms. A rich, high-protein treat that is excellent for conditioning, but fed sparingly rather than daily as they are fatty and can cause digestive issues if overused .
A practical routine is the granulate as the daily staple, with frozen or live foods offered two to three times a week across the options above. Feed small amounts once a day, only what the fish will eat in a minute or so, and remove anything uneaten to keep the water clean.
Summary
A betta fish is a straightforward, rewarding fish to keep when it is set up correctly. Keep one male, use a slow flow filter such as a sponge or hang-on, house the fish in an aquarium over 60 litres, and avoid gouramis and fin nippers. Females are best kept singly, and sororities should only be attempted with a clear understanding of the risks. Feed a quality insect-based granulate with frozen or live daphnia and the occasional bloodworm. Get these basics right and a betta will thrive.