There are ways to see this behaviour without introducing another male. One way is to use a small hand mirror and place it up against the tank glass so that the male betta may see his reflection. He will mistake his reflection as another male and the betta fighting posture should then be displayed.

You can get small betta tanks that come with dividers which will allow you to keep two bettas in the same tank. Many keep them in small bowls and they may live for a while in these small bowls. However, to get the most beautiful colors and optimal health for your fish, they will do better in a 10 gallon or larger tank with a heater that can maintain a constant temperature in the aquarium. If you plan on keeping yours in a small tank, please read the small tank setup page for ideas on equipment needed. Also check out the Betta Tank Setup article written by COBC for the magazine that lists the equipment needed to keep a betta.

Related Posts

• June 3, 2009 — Betta Fish Care: Appropriate Home For Betta Fish.
• August 23, 2009 — Betta Fish Care
• June 25, 2009 — How to care for a betta fish aquarium
• June 23, 2009 — Betta Fish Caring Additional Tips
• June 23, 2009 — Breeding Betta Fish at Home

Sure everyone loves Goldfish but there are a similar type of highly colored and active fish that are just as well-to-do to concern for. I’m talking about Betta fish, known as Siamese Fighting Fish. Hailing from the Mekong river in Asia these beautiful fish usually grow to about 6cm in length although some may reach 8cm’s or more. One little known fact is that their natural color is actually a dark green and brown. We see the bright colored ones today simply because of selective breeding by breeders from around the world.
 

Betta fish are very easy to care for and this makes them a great choice for people who have busy lifestyles and wish to keep pet fish. Below are seven hot tips to keep your Betta fish in tip top shape.

Number 1 – Simple Monitoring

After you’ve had your Betta fish for a while you will soon known their behaviors and activities. You will soon be able to see if your Betta fish are poorly. If your fish seem lethargic measure the temperature of the water. Too cold and your fish will seem listless. The ideal water temperature should be about 28 degrees centigrade (approximately 82 Fahrenheit).

Number 2 – Keep The Water Clean

This may sound obvious to some but your Betta fish need clean water. You shouldn’t need a water filter but try to substitute at least a quarter of the tanks water twice a week. This will insure that it stays nice and clean and will help to keep away any infections. Try not to use water straight out of the cold tap but leave it out for a day at least to let it settle. Be sure to use a PH testing kit (you able to get these from your favorite pet store) and try to keep the PH at around 7.0.

Number 3 – Size Matters!

When choosing a tank make sure it will be large enough for your Betta fish to swim around comfortably. A 20 litre tank is ideal. Sharp rocks and stones should be avoided. You don’t want your pride and joy to rip or tear any of his/her fins.

Number 4 – Keep A Lid On It

Betta fish like to jump! Knowing this try to keep the water level approximately 6 centimetres below the top of your tank. This, along with the lid, should stop your fish flipping themselves onto the table for your cat to find. DO NOT use an air tight lid! Bettas could take oxygen direct from the waters surface so make sure there are good air holes in the lid.

Number Five – Fish Need Friends Too

It is a wise idea never to keep other Betta fish in the same tank. They are not called Siamese fighting fish for nothing! Try not to keep mirrors or shiny surfaces near the tank as they will flare up at the slightest sign of another Betta, even if it’s themselves. Male Bettas tend to be the worst for this type of behavior. It may be fun to watch but completely you will do is stress your fish and decrease its lifespan. You can keep other fish with your Bettas. Loaches, platies (or moons) and Cory catfish are ideal tankmates.

Number 6 – Cleaning

Never (and we mean never) use soap or detergents to clean out your fish tank. Simply use a plastic brush and warm water to scrub any rocks or decorations you may have. To remove any old food from the bottom of the tank try using a pipette or a kitchen baster. This will ensure your tank stays nice and fresh and does not smell.

Number 7 – Food

Your Betta fish will absolutely love live food e.g. brine shrimp or bloodworms. Feeding them live food will keep them active and it is great fun to watch them gobbling them all up. For variety try feeding them on thinly chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots and soybeans. They will enjoy these just as much as live food. Feeding your Bettas on a wider range of food will help them to live longer.

Related Posts

• August 23, 2009 — Betta Fish Care
• June 16, 2009 — Betta Fish Care – Siamese Fighting Fish
• June 14, 2009 — How to Feed a Betta Fish
• June 4, 2009 — How to Make a Betta Fish Tank in a Vase
• June 3, 2009 — Betta Fish Care: Appropriate Home For Betta Fish.