Betta
Betta splendens · family Osphronemidae
Also: Siamese Fighting Fish
Parameters
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 5–19 °dGH
- Tank volume
- from 20 L
- Maximum size
- up to 6.5 cm
- Group size
- min 1, ideal 1
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Top
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
Description
The betta is a labyrinth fish that breathes atmospheric air. Males are territorial and won't tolerate each other. Keep solo, or in a harem (one male with several females) in tanks of 60 L or more.
There are dozens of strains and color forms — Crowntail, Halfmoon, Veiltail, Plakat and more. Most are bred in captivity; wild forms look more modest.
Care
Tank
At least 20 L per male (30+ L recommended). A lid is mandatory (bettas jump), plus a gentle filter without strong flow and floating plants for shade and surface resting spots.
Common mistakes
Keeping them in round bowls under 5 L is unacceptable. Despite the labyrinth organ, a betta needs stable water parameters, real volume, and filtration.
Feeding
Carnivorous: betta-specific pellets + frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia. Plain dry flakes are digested poorly. Feed once or twice a day, with one fasting day per week.
Compatibility
- Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Depends on the individual male's temperament. Works in spacious tanks with hiding spots.
Caution - Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Corydoras take the bottom and don't compete with the betta for the surface.
Good - Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
The guppies' bright tails trigger the male betta's attacks. Female guppies are safer, but the risk remains.
Avoid - Caution
- Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Competition for the upper zone and aggression risk in both directions.
Avoid
FAQ
- Can two male bettas be kept together?
- No. Males fight to the death. Transparent dividers don't work either — they cause constant visual stress.
- How long do bettas live?
- 3–5 years in good conditions. In vases and unheated bowls — usually under a year.
Goldie editorial team
Practising aquarists with a combined 30+ years of experience · Biologists and editors, fact-checking against FishBase and Seriously Fish · Every piece is reviewed by a qualified ichthyologist before publication
Scientific board — ichthyologists and veterinarians
Ichthyologists and veterinarians with university degrees · Reference FishBase, Seriously Fish and peer-reviewed literature · Sign every reviewed article with their credentials shown
Sources
- FishBase: Betta splendens · FishBase · 2026-05-22
- Seriously Fish: Betta splendens · Seriously Fish · 2026-05-22