Betta fish (most commonly Betta splendens) are small, brightly colored tropical freshwater fish best known for the flowing fins of many males and their bold, territorial personalities. Native to Southeast Asia, they’re “labyrinth fish,” meaning they can breathe air at the surface as well as use their gills, which helps them handle warm, slow-moving waters—but they still thrive in clean, heated, well-filtered aquariums. Males are typically kept alone because they may fight other males, while many bettas spend their time cruising the tank, exploring plants and hiding spots, and flaring their fins as a display.
Behaviour
In an aquarium, bettas are curious, alert little characters who spend a lot of time cruising the tank, investigating plants and décor, and taking regular gulps of air at the surface (they can breathe air as well as use their gills). Males are often territorial, so you’ll see them “patrol” favorite spots and sometimes flare their gill covers and fins as a display—especially if they spot another fish they interpret as a rival. When they feel secure, they’ll rest on broad leaves or in hides, weave through cover, and come to the front to beg for food; when stressed, they may hide constantly, glass-surf, clamp their fins, or act unusually lethargic.
Types of Bettas
Most “types of bettas” you see for sale are domesticated Betta splendens, and they’re usually grouped by tail/fin shape, color/pattern, and a few special traits.
Some common tail/fin types are:
- Veiltail (classic drooping tail)
- Halfmoon (very wide tail spread)
- Crowntail (spiky “crown” rays)
- Plakat (short-finned, more streamlined swimmer)
- Double tail (tail split into two lobes)
- Delta/Super-Delta
There are many color varieties of Bettas as well, often changing over time. Some common terms are “koi”, “galaxy”, or more solid colors or a range of colors all at once.
Some keepers also buy wild betta species (often with subtler colors and different behaviors/care preferences), like Betta smaragdina or Betta mahachaiensis. We may have a guide for these varieties at a later time.
“Alien betta” is a hobby name commonly used for hybrid lines involving multiple betta species (often within the “splendens complex”).
DEMOGRAPHICS
- Scientific Name: Betta splendens
- Common Name: Siamese Fighting Fish
- Origins: Southeast Asia
- Adult Size: 2.5in – 3in
- Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Aggressive
- Schooling: No
- Breeding: Egglayer (bubble-nest)
- Care Level: Intermediate
IUCN STATUS
Some other wild Betta species are listed as “Critically Endangered”.
WATER PARAMETERS
- Temperature:75F to 79F
- pH: 6.5 – 7.5
- Hardness: 5 – 19 dGH
AQUARIUM SETUP
- Foods: pellets, brine shrimp
- Water Type: slow flowing freshwater
- Substrate: fine gravel or sand
- Tank Setup: a cave/hide, and some floating cover
- Min Tank Size: 5 – 10 gallons
TANK MATES
Male Bettas particularly are very territorial and aggressive especially towards other males. They are best kept alone, but you could try snails or shrimp as tank mates.
GOOD TANK MATES
- Amano Shrimp
- Cherry Shrimp
- Nerite Snails
- Mystery Snails
BAD TANK MATES
- Large, aggressive cichlids or other big territorial fish that may bully or eat small corys.
- Fish known to nip fins aggressively (like some barbs).
- Very large predatory fish.
- Other Male Bettas
