Freshwater Betta Fish

Freshwater Betta Fish

A feast for your eyes - a male Betta Fish is an aquarium centerpiece. It's just a pity you can only keep one per tank.

There are many recognised types of male Bettas available in a wide range of colours. These include Crowntail, Halfmoon, Shortfin, Double Tail, Dragonscale, Cambodian, Pearl Spot, Giant Koi, Elephant Ear and Full Moon Bettas. Male Bettas can also work in a community setup - provided they're paired with the right tankmates.

Bettas can also be kept individually in small aquariums and make an excellent beginner fish. Thanks to their specialised labyrinth organ, they can breathe air at the surface - meaning aeration systems are optional.

Betta Care

The Betta splendens, often called the Siamese Fighting Fish, belongs to the Osphronemidae family, which also includes many gourami species.

In nature, Bettas inhabit small ponds, rice paddies, slow streams and ditches.

Male Bettas cannot be housed together - their territorial nature means they will fight to the death. Males and females may also fight if the female is not ready to breed. If you want to keep multiple Bettas, you will need multiple tanks, except for groups of females (a sorority).

In stores you often see Bettas in small tanks with dividers blocking their view. Removing that divider will cause the males to flare and display, which is safe for short periods - but they should not see each other constantly.

Betta's Natural Habitat

Betta fish originate from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand (formerly Siam), where their name comes from.

They thrive in calm, densely vegetated waters with minimal current.

Behavior & Compatibility

Bettas are usually peaceful unless confronted with another male. They will flare, display, and eventually attack.

Male Bettas can also fight females unless it's breeding time. Breeding requires a dedicated spawning tank — the male will build a bubble nest, guard eggs, and protect the fry until they become free-swimming.

Female Bettas are far more social and can be kept together in sororities.

This species works well in peaceful community setups but should NOT be kept with fin nippers like Barbs or with Gouramis which may trigger aggression. Good tank mates include Mollies, Platys, Swordtails, Guppies (though fancy males may sometimes be mistaken for a rival Betta).

Bottom dwellers such as Loaches including the Striped Kuhli Loach and Corydoras are excellent companions.

Betta Fish Tank Setup Tips

• Tank

  Bettas grow to around 6-8 cm and are not highly active, so large tanks are not essential. They are well suited to small starter tanks such as the AquaEl Shrimp Tank Set 10L or AquaEl Shrimp Tank Set 30L. Larger tanks with filters require less maintenance.

  Bettas spend most of their time near the surface, so wide, shallow tanks are preferred over tall ones.

  Recommended Max Fish Count	Tank Volume
  1 Male or 4 Female Bettas	39 L (10 gal)
  1 Male or 8 Female Bettas	57 L (15 gal)
  1 Male or 12 Female Bettas	71 L (20 gal)
  1 Male or 16 Female Bettas	94 L (25 gal)
  1 Male or 20 Female Bettas	113 L (30 gal)

  Keep a backup tank if housing a male and female together, as fights may occur. Breeding should always be done in a separate spawning tank.

• Base

  Bettas spend most of their time near the surface, so substrate is primarily decorative. Choose gravel, driftwood, plants and d'cor that suit the rest of your tank. Bettas can jump, so a lid is recommended.

• Foliage

  Bettas appreciate dense planting and shaded areas. Floating plants are particularly helpful in making them feel secure.

  Explore our full range of aquarium plants and aquarium d'cor.

• Water

  Bettas prefer calm water with minimal current. Maintain pH between 6.8=7.5.

  If room temperature drops below 25.6°C (76°F), use an aquarium heater. Ideal temperature range is 25.6°-29.4°C (76°-85°F).

  Bettas can breathe air thanks to their labyrinth organ, so aeration is optional. Still, regular water changes and substrate cleaning are essential.

  Use water conditioners such as Easy Balance Plus to maintain stability, especially in unfiltered tanks.

Feeding and Care

In the wild, Bettas eat insects and small invertebrates. Provide a varied diet including specialised foods such as Betta Mini Pellets, and offer live foods like bloodworms as occasional treats.

Great Reasons to Keep Betta Fish

• Male Bettas are among the most beautiful tropical fish in the hobby.
• They come in a huge range of colours and fin types.
• They can be kept in relatively small aquariums (minimum 38 L / 10 gal).
• They work well in community tanks with the right tankmates.

Which Betta will you choose - a stunning Dragonscale or a classic Full Moon?