About Beta Fish

Beta fish are beautiful companion fish often kept as a pet in the United States. Their meager requirements make them an excellent choice for a child's bedroom, bathroom decoration or even an office desk. Also known as a Siamese fighting fish, the male beta is the most popular of the sexes with its flowing tail and multicolor options.

Identification

Male betas have almond-shaped bodies flanked with large, flowing fins. Their main body can reach a length of 2.5 to 3 inches. The female beta fish is smaller, at about 2 inches in length when fully grown, and less decorative with guppy-size fins. Both sexes come in a variety of colors including white, red, blue and purple.

Habitat

Beta fish are used to living in small spaces and require very little aquarium space. However, multiple males cannot be housed together. They will fight to the death for their territory. Female beta fish can live together, and even be integrated with other docile community fish such as guppies, mollies and tetras. The rule of community fish is one gallon of aquarium space per inch of fish, which holds true for female beta fish. Males can live in smaller environments, such as a decorative vase or small beta tank, since they will need to live solo. Do not keep male and female beta fish housed together.

Diet

Beta fish can eat a variety of prepackaged fish food including flaked, pellet and frozen. The most common beta food is a small pellet that resembles the seeds of a strawberry. They also enjoy dried shrimp pellets or tropical flake food. Beta fish only need to be fed three times per week. Overfeeding will shorten their life span and make their water dirty.

Health

A well-cared-for beta fish can live four to five years. When kept in a small container, perform a two-thirds water change once per week. Never change all the water. The beta fish needs some bacteria in the water to survive. Use distilled (not tap) water. Water conditioner is sold at pet stores to prepare your water for a beta fish. Keep water at 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Male beta fish prefer calm water without a filter system. Female beta fish will thrive in a filtered aquarium, and will require water changes every few months.

History

Beta fish are native to Southeast Asia. They can be found living in rain puddles and small water-filled depressions near rice paddies.