Siamese fighting fish | Betta Fish | Betta fish Facts | How to take care of betta fish

The Betta Fish, Also known as Siamese fighting fish are one of the famous pet fish found in the aquariums. These are natives of the Mekong basin in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. They were found in rice paddies, drainage ditches, and floodplains. The males come in vibrant colors. They have several variants of tail shapes. They are referred to as Siamese fighting fish because the male ones have extreme aggressiveness towards their kind, so its better not to keep them in the same tanks will lead to the death of one of them. Female ones also should not be in the same tank as they become territorial and it is not advised to keep both males and females in the same tank, except for breeding for a short time. These are sensitive but have a unique ability to breathe oxygen directly from the air and also to intake oxygen through its gills and can survive without water for a short period. This explains the reason why they can sustain itself in stagnant. they can live singly in a “community” aquarium containing certain other docile species of fish, like Cory catfish, kuhli loaches, or guppies. They can also cohabitate with nonfish species like snails, frogs, and ghost shrimps. If still you find aggression between them, you should set up a quarantine aquarium and separate them.

Bettas can recognize their owners and start to swim in excitement when they see them walking towards them. They can notice if you are placing new items in the tank, this can help their mental state to stimulate. Add Aquatic caves or planted corners to make them feel safe and comfortable. They have an average lifespan of up to 3 years with proper care. They can breathe from the surface of the water using their labyrinth organ in addition to their gills. They are active and alert. They eat regularly. The males twist their bodies and spread their fins if interested in females. The females will darken in color and develop vertical lines which are called breeding bars. Once they lay eggs, Males chase away females from its territory as they are likely to eat the eggs, And If she is not removed from the tank, Then they are going to be killed by the male.

How to take care of Betta fish:-

Try providing them an environment that is almost as their natural habitat. As we all know captive fish can never enjoy their natural lives. Bettas at least need a 2-gallon fish tank, Larger the better. Treat the tap water with water conditioning. Before adding bettas, make sure you have cycled the water several times. Maintain 24°c to 26°c water temperature. Keep them in the tank in which they can breathe from the surface. Placing aquarium close to a window would be a bad idea as they can heat up the aquarium. Choose a place where you can relax and look at your betta fish. 

Now we'll talk about food. Bettas are carnivorous animals, plants root are not fit for them, because it lacks in nutrients which can lead to reduced lifespan. They mostly feed on zooplankton, crustaceans. In captivity, they can be given pellets and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, fruit fly larvae. Pellets are best because they include vitamins and minerals which are responsible for bettas color and increasing lifespan. They mostly eat their food at the surface. Don't overfeed them. Bettas only need a pinch of food to eat, or give them food which they can finish in 3 minutes Provide them different food every day. Clean up the uneaten food or else they'll get overloaded and increase nitrite levels to toxic.