Bettas or Siamese Fighting fish are probably best known for their vibrant colors, flamboyant finnage, and aggressive, somewhat feisty temperament. But there’s a lot more to the betta’s personality than that! In this guide, I delve into the behavioral patterns of betta fish that defy common misconceptions and reveal a whole new dimension to your … Read more
When this beautiful male betta sees an image of himself in a mirror, he starts flaring at it. That certainly gives this gorgeous specimen the wow factor, but is flaring a good or bad thing for him? Many commenters reckon the fish is stressed and that encouraging him to flare by showing him his reflection … Read more
Betta fish have captivated aquarium enthusiasts, including me, for decades with their brilliant array of vibrant colors, fancy tail forms, and iridescent scales. There are so many colors to choose from; the variety is truly mind-boggling. Have you ever wondered what makes the betta fish one of the most visually arresting species in the aquatic … Read more
Recent years have seen wild betta fish species becoming more popular. One of the most popular types is Betta imbellis. Because of their relatively relaxed temperament and docile character, Betta imbellis has earned the common name the ‘Peaceful Betta’. Peaceful bettas can be kept in a wider variety of tank setups than other bettas, including … Read more
Betta fish are straightforward to care for, colorful, glamorous, and full of personality, so it’s no wonder they make such great pets for aquarists! In fact, second to goldfish, bettas are the world’s number one fishy friend. In the betta’s natural habitat, the water bodies are heavily vegetated, providing shelter, protection from predators, and offering … Read more
A few years ago, a new hybrid betta arrived on the aquarium scene. Boasting intricate markings and otherworldly colors, the newcomer was branded the ‘Alien Betta,’ although nobody knew exactly why. Much confusion and controversy still surrounds the alien betta: Where it came from and whether it’s an ethical breed. What we do know is … Read more
Betta fish always require an aquarium filter to remain happy and healthy. But why is your betta spending all of its time hanging out by the filter? It could be for several reasons, and many of them are related to the principle that betta fish need a filter flow that is not too weak, nor … Read more
Keeping and breeding betta fish is an incredibly popular hobby these days, so if you have a spacious 20-gallon tank, you might be wondering how many of these beautiful fish you can keep. Can you keep multiple male Siamese fighting fish together in one tank? Do female betta fish fight? And what special adaptations do … Read more
If you love your betta buddy’s bright colors, beautiful fins, and quirky character, you might wonder if your pet could get along with another betta. After all, that would mean twice the enjoyment and would really make your fish tank pop, right? However, these beautiful tropical fish are not known as Siamese Fighting Fish for … Read more
People who are new to the world of betta keeping are sometimes surprised to learn that the classic betta splendens fish with long, flowing fins are always male. The less showy female betta fish are rarely seen in the hobby and are only kept by specialists who wish to keep several of them together in … Read more
As a devoted betta fish owner, you love your beautiful pet, but if he suddenly develops a lump on his side, does that mean your betta has cancer? Fish tumors are usually a symptom of an underlying health problem. You can often treat betta fish tumors easily and successfully if you spot the issue early … Read more
So you’ve noticed black gills on your betta fish? That’s not unusual, and not necessarily a problem – although it could be. What appears to be black gills in betta fish is usually not their gills at all, but a black ‘beard’, a normal and healthy part of their anatomy. Occasionally, however, a betta’s gills … Read more
You might be wondering if your betta fish ever gets bored. These beautiful fish are regularly kept in small tanks all alone due to their aggression and territorial nature toward other fish. The truth is that yes, betta fish can get bored. These fish need proper exercise and enrichment through aquarium decorations, different fish foods, … Read more
Betta fish are intelligent little creatures full of character and can make great pets. With patience, you can even teach your betta a few cool tricks! But the main reason people choose bettas is because of the fish’s beautiful looks. Bettas, or Siamese Fighting fish, come in a dazzling range of colors, and many varieties … Read more
Also referred to as the Dumbo fish, Siamese fighting fish, or the Betta splenden, the Elephant Ear betta is a highly aggressive and territorial breed that will fight to the death if given a chance. For this reason, as with most bettas, males should not be housed together due to their tendency to fight. The … Read more
