How to raise and keep betta fish.

This will give you an introduction on the basics of caring for your brand new Betta fish, also known as the siamese fighting fish. I will also touch on the basics of breeding these fish as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Established aquarium
• Betta fish
• Food

1. Before anything you need to have a tank for your betta. While most Bettas now are aquarium bred, they are naturally born in shallow rice fields. While shallow, these are still enormous areas. Bettas are sold in small containers so people get the idea that they do not need a large tank, this is incorrect. The bigger you can get your Betta the better. Once you have your tank, get it set up and cycled. Here is a link to do that - http://www.ehow.com/how_4562583_start-aquariumfish-tank.html

2. Another misconception about Bettas is that they can live in any temperature water. Again, this is incorrect. In Thailand, where they come from it is very warm and thats what they prefer. Get your heater set up and your water to about 80*F.

3. Purchase your Betta fish. The males are the more colorful with the beautiful tails. Once you're home, get your betta acclimated to the water by letting the bag float in your fish tank.

4. Open the bag and let your Betta swim free! Add a few drops of water conditioner/stress reliever to help your betta get acclimated.

5. When it comes time to feed your Betta you must be careful. Feed him whatever you choose, however, make sure you do not overfeed him. It will cause harm to the fish and the excess waste will foul up the water making it posionous for your new fish. If your betta cant eat it in 5 minutes, its too much.

6. Once you've been able to healthy raise your new Betta you may consider wanting to breed them. Your first step for this is to repeat steps 2 and 3 execpt with a female Betta.

7. Set up another small tank with a sponge filter(so the babies done get hurt). Add some live plants, java moss works great for the babies to hide.

8. The male will begin building a bubble nest, this means that he is ready. When they both are ready to breed the female get under the nest and the male will wrap his body around the female. The fish will look almost paralyzed for a little bit. This will continue until the femal has laid all her eggs.

9. Seperate the female immediatley afterwards. Whether through a divider, seperate tank, etc., for her safety she needs to be removed.

10. After the babies(fry) hatch in about 3 or 4 days and are swimming on their own, remove the male and allow the babies to be in their own breeder tank. Raise these babies with care and you'll have a whole family of Bettas!

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your tanks clean.
• Vacuum Regularly.
• 20% weekly water changes.
• DO NOT OVERFEED.

[scooter181]

on 5/23/2009 Raiseing means breeding and keeping till adult age, not carin for it