🐟 More Than Just a Pretty Face
Bettas are like the divas of the fish world—stunning, dramatic, and full of attitude. But while they grace aquariums with their flowing fins and bold personalities, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.
If you’ve ever wondered why your Betta is blowing bubbles, how they get their vibrant colours, or what fish they can actually live with, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Betta care—no myths, no fluff, just the facts.
Bettas aren’t originally pampered, jewel-toned aquarium fish—they started out as scrappy little warriors in the rice paddies of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. They lived in shallow, slow-moving water, which is why they evolved the ability to breathe air at the surface using a labyrinth organ.
💡 Fun Fact: Their Thai nickname is “Plakat,” meaning “Fighter Fish” because wild Bettas were bred for their aggression, not beauty. Betta fights were a big deal, and people even bet money on the toughest fish!
🚨 Important Note: Betta fighting was once a regulated event in Thailand, but we do not condone or support any form of animal fighting for sport. Today, Betta breeding focuses on colour, fin shape, and temperament, and these stunning fish deserve to be admired—not forced into aggression.
🎨 How Do Bettas Get Their Vibrant Colours?
Wild Bettas aren’t neon blue, fire red, or galaxy-patterned. In their natural habitat, they’re a dull brown-green to blend in with their surroundings. So how did we get today’s rainbow of colours?
✔ Selective Breeding. Decades of breeding for specific colours, patterns, and fin shapes created the Bettas we see today.
✔ Chromatophores. These are special pigment cells in their skin that determine colour intensity.
✔ Mood & Health. A stressed Betta may lose colour, while a happy, healthy Betta glows brighter.
💡 Did You Know? Some Bettas change colour as they age! If your Betta is suddenly a different shade, it’s likely the result of the “Marble Gene”, which causes colour shifts over time.
🐡 Why Is My Betta Blowing Bubbles? (Hint: He’s Feeling Romantic)
If your Betta’s water suddenly has a foamy collection of bubbles at the surface, don’t panic! He’s not trying to escape—he’s preparing for a potential family.
🏗️ Bubble Nesting 101:
- Male Bettas blow bubbles at the surface to create a nest for potential eggs.
- If a female is introduced and they mate, he’ll guard the eggs in his bubble nest.
- Even without a mate, males still build nests—it’s like a single guy preparing a nursery, just in case.
💡 Fun Fact: After mating, the male does all the parenting. The female is politely kicked out of the picture so she doesn’t eat the eggs (rude).
🏡 Betta Tank Setup – No, They Don’t Belong in a Tiny Bowl
Betta fish are NOT low-maintenance "starter pets"—they require a proper setup to thrive.
✔ Minimum Tank Size: At least 10 litres (2.5 gallons), but 20 litres (5 gallons) or more is ideal.
✔ Heater Required: Bettas are tropical fish and need water temps between 25-27°C (77-81°F).
✔ Filtration Matters: A small sponge filter keeps water clean without creating strong currents.
✔ Live Plants = Happier Betta. Floating plants and soft-leaved options reduce stress and mimic their natural environment.
🚨 What NOT to do:
❌ Tiny bowls lead to poor water quality. (Would you like to live in a toilet?)
❌ No heater = constant stress & sickness.
❌ Sharp decorations can rip their delicate fins.
💡 Tip: Bettas love hiding spots—give them caves, driftwood, or live plants to explore.
🌿 Natural vs. Artificial Plants: What’s Best for Your Betta?
Bettas love plants, but not all plants love them back.
✔ Best Plants for Bettas:
- Java Fern & Anubias – Tough, low maintenance, and Betta-safe.
- Amazon Sword – Great for larger tanks, provides excellent cover.
- Marimo Moss Balls – Natural algae filters that Bettas love to nudge around.
🚫 Avoid Plastic Plants!
Sharp edges can tear delicate fins, causing stress and infection.
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer fake plants, go for silk plants—they’re gentler on Bettas’ fins.
🍽️ What Do Bettas Eat? The Right Diet for a Healthy Fish
Bettas aren’t vegetarian—they’re carnivores. In the wild, they eat insects, larvae, and tiny crustaceans.
✔ Best Foods for Bettas:
🐟 High-quality Betta pellets (protein-based, not filler-loaded).
🦐 Frozen or live treats (brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms).
🚫 What NOT to Feed Bettas:
❌ Goldfish flakes or generic tropical food.
❌ Human food. (Yes, some people try to give their fish bread.)
💡 Feeding Tip: Bettas only need two small meals a day—if they look bloated, you’re overfeeding.
🐠 Can Bettas Have Tank Mates? Who’s Safe & Who’s Not?
Not all fish can handle the Betta’s attitude. Here’s a quick guide:
✅ Safe Tank Mates:
✔ Snails (Mystery Snails, Nerite Snails) – Great for algae control!
✔ Shrimp (Amano, Cherry Shrimp) – Bettas may snack on baby shrimp, though.
✔ Bottom Dwellers (Corydoras Catfish) – They stick to the tank floor, so they don’t bother Bettas.
🚫 Who NOT to Put with Bettas:
❌ Other Male Bettas. They will fight. No exceptions.
❌ Fin-nipping fish (Tiger Barbs, Tetras, Guppies). They’ll shred your Betta’s fins.
❌ Fast, flashy fish (like Fancy Guppies). A Betta might mistake them for another male and attack.
💡 Tip: If you’re adding a Betta to a community tank, watch for aggression and always have a backup plan.
🐟 Is a Betta Right for You?
Betta fish are best for owners who want an interactive, low-commitment pet—but are willing to provide the right care.
✅ Bettas are a great match if you:
✔ Want a beautiful, engaging fish that recognizes you?
✔ Can commit to weekly water changes & proper care.
✔ Have a heated, filtered tank (not a bowl!).
❌ Bettas are NOT for you if you:
❌ Want a pet you can just “set and forget.”
❌ Expect them to be happy in a tiny bowl.
❌ Plan to overcrowd a tank without researching tank mates.
🐠 Do it right, and your Betta will reward you with colour, personality, and even a few bubble nests along the way!
Final Thoughts: Bettas Are Stunning, but They Deserve Proper Care
✔ Skip the bowl—get a proper tank.
✔ Keep the water heated and filtered.
✔ Feed them high-quality food.
✔ Respect their space—choose tank mates wisely!
🐟 Thinking of getting a Betta? Now you know exactly what it takes to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
©Majella Gee 2025
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