Last update: 30-09-2021

Siamese Fighting Fish - How To Take Care Of Betta Fish?

The Siamese fighting fish, also known as the betta fish is often the first choice among beginner aquarists. Its popularity is a result of the fact that it is easy to take care of. The price is another advantage. Depending on where the fish is being purchased, the cost might differ. Color and breed are other factors affecting the price. If you want a purebred Siamese fighting fish, you should prepare to spend more money.

Where does the Siamese fighting fish come from and what are its characteristics?

Siamese fighting fish come from Asia, but they are bred in many countries. These fish are highly resistant to diseases and stress, but they are also aggressive towards their own species.

Betta fish should be kept separately, as they are territorial fish. This especially concerns males. One can keep only one male or a few females in one fish tank. You can also keep a harem with one male and at least 3 females.

How to choose a Siamese fighting fish?

When visiting a pet store, you might notice betta fish kept in plastic cups with only 2-3 cm of water. The fish are forced to endure such conditions for several weeks, until somebody buys them.

When choosing a Siamese fighting fish, pay attention to its health. You shouldn’t buy sick fish just because you want to help them. This way the shop owner will profit on you and they will continue to keep the fish in small containers. But if they lose a dozen of a couple of dozens of fish in one month, they will buy larger tanks and take a better care of the fish.

What is the best betta fish tank?

Pet shop owners often recommend a fish bowl, usually very small. Although Siamese fighting fish are not very demanding, one mustn’t keep them in a bowl, especially a small one. An estimated betta fish tank size is 25 liters. Of course, you can keep other fish species in the same aquarium. But if you are going to keep the Siamese fish alone, you should buy at least a 5-liter tank. It doesn’t have to be tall as betta fish are anabantoidei which means they breathe air. But if you are buying a small aquarium, choose a rectangular one so that the fish has space to swim.

The tank should contain a heater - Siamese fighting fish are thermophilic animals. An optimal water temperature is 24-26 Celsius degrees (75.2-78.8 Fahrenheit degrees), If the aquarium is located away from the window, at a spot without draughts, room temperature should be enough.

A filter should be installed in every aquarium. But Siamese fighting fish prefer standing water, which is impossible to achieve in a small fish tank with a filter. For this reason, a filter is not used for a betta fish in a small aquarium. In such a case, you have to replace 20-30% of the water every other day. Use a hose to remove water from the bottom of the tank, and then fill it up with fresh water (if using tap water, leave it to rest overnight in a container before filling the aquarium).

What is the Siamese fighting fish diet?

Siamese fighting fish are carnivores, but it won’t harm them if you give them regular fish food from time to time. Most fish foods are plant-based, hence they don’t provide enough protein which the Siamese fighting fish need in their diet. It might make the fish aggressive. If fed improperly, a betta fish with long tail might start to chew it, but also attack other fish to supply themselves with animal protein.

You can find special Siamese fighting fish food in pet stores. They are typically flakes or granulate based on dried larvae but also containing ingredients enhancing the colouration of the fish.

In addition, you can also feed the fish with frozen food, which can be purchased in a pet store. The larvae can be given to the fish after defrosting. It’s a good choice if you have more fish in the aquarium. You can throw one cube into the tank and every fish will get full. Siamese fighting fish like frozen food better.

You should purchase frozen food fish for fry and young fish. The larvae are smaller or grounded. It’s useful if you want to breed the Siamese fighting fish.

Siamese fighting fish - breeding

If you want to breed the Siamese fighting fish, it has to be mature enough. Typically, fish have over 6 months. At the same time, they shouldn’t be older than 10 months. This way, you can expect the best results.

Creating good conditions for the fish is very important. It means providing enough water - a mixture of old and fresh liquid. It should be poured into a spawning tank so that it reaches 20 cm. Then, put a female and a male in it. How can you tell that mating has started? You can note the female changes her colors. It’s a signal for the male he can begin.

After the intercourse, the female builds a nest. The male places the eggs in it. They can appear after about 24 hours after the process has started. The male Betta fish is very aggressive and won’t let the female get close to the eggs. For this reason, it is advised to separate the fish and move the female into another tank.

How many fish can you expect from a single Siamese fighting fish breeding process? It’s a very individual issue. Sometimes only a dozen. The records reach much more.

📍 What is the Siamese fighting fish lifespan?

The Siamese fighting fish can live up to 5 years. But a typical captive betta fish lives 2-3 years. It mostly depends on the environment and water temperature. The food is also important.

📍 Betta fish tank - which one is the best?

The Siamese fighting fish needs a rectangular 25-liter aquarium. You might equip it with a lid, but it's not necessary. Consider purchasing a filter.

📍 Siamese fighting fish - what water should be provided?

The Siamese fighting fish prefer water from 20 to 26 Celsius degrees (68-78.8 F). Make sure that the pH is around 5-8. The water greatly affects the Siamese fighting fish lifespan.

📍 Betta fish diet - how often should a Siamese fighting fish be fed?

The Siamese fighting fish diet is simple - feed it twice a day. Make sure to use the right feed or frozen larvae. You can purchase it in a pet store.