Siamese fighting fish or the commonly known name for them is the Betta fish. Betta fish are the perfect fish for someone who is trying out the hobby to see if they enjoy it, but it does have some downsides. Betta fish, as beautiful as they are, can’t be kept with others of their kind or most of any other kinds of fish easily unless there is enough space. Betta fish are very territorial fish, and they tend to “Fight to the death” with any other fish they think is invading their space. Betta fish should only be kept with other fish if there is a lot of space and hiding spots. Betta fish are one of the easiest fish to keep as long as you just have one. Betta fish only require a few things to live a happy life; that is why they’re such a good beginner fish.

Tank Size

One of the things a betta fish will require is a 5-10 gallon aquarium; this is the ideal tank size to keep a betta fish in. You can get away with keeping them in a smaller tank, but you have to make sure you’re watching the water chemistry and doing water changes a little more frequently. If you’re looking to keep more than one betta fish, you probably need to look into getting a bigger tank. In my opinion, the best way to keep two bettas in the same tank is to get a 10-20 gallon tank and put dividers into it.

Water parameters/environment

Bettas like more of a neutral pH around 6.8-7.2 and softer water. Because of the betta fish’s sensitive fins and slower swimming speed, they like calmer water currents. Having a slower filter or even a sponge filter would be the best for a betta tank. In a smaller tank, it’s generally a good idea to get live plants just to help with some of that natural filtration. Getting softer leaves, small plants are best for a betta tank.

Betta Diet

As far as diet goes for a betta fish, it is good to get foods specifically designed for them, as I have seen that is what they do best with. It’s also a good idea to rotate between 2-3 different foods for them, as it is always good to get some variety in a betta’s diet. I’d recommend something like frozen bloodworms, freeze-dried bloodworms, or betta pellets. I’d just cycle through these, changing what you’re feeding your betta every few days.

If you have any questions about betta fish or other questions about fishkeeping let me know in the comments below.