Do you have a male betta fish?

Male betta fish are different when compared to female betta fish. Females are usually smaller and their fins are short. Males have long, trailing fins that are beautiful, males are also larger and slim in shape.

The food that you feed your betta fish can have a effect on the color and growth of those amazing fins. It is in your best interest to feed your fish the recommended betta fish food.

The male betta has a variety of roles and when breeding it’s his job to create the bubble nest and he will also fetch any eggs that fall during mating.

Male Siamese fighting fish should never be put together in the same tank because they will fight each other which can end in permanent damage to the fish and sometimes ever death. It is your responsibility as a betta fish keeper to ensure the safety and well being of your fish.

Male betta fish can become stressed if they see a reflection of themselves in a mirror or glass and this will cause them to assume the defensive posture which includes violent thrashing and the opening of the gill flaps.

Betta fish are beautiful, please look after your fish and don’t cause unnecessary stress on your male fish.

Breeding Betta fish is a wonderful and very rewarding experience, but you need to be warned that it is not easy.  If you follow the correct steps and make sure your fish are in the best possible condition, then the chances of success are far greater.

Before anyone embarks on the challenge of breeding betta fish you will need basic knowledge about the species and the nessecary process.

Female Betta fish look similar to male Betta fish, the only difference is that the female does not have the long, trailing fins that the males have. Females will not build the bubble nest, only the males will build the nest. The picture at the beginning of the post is an example of a female Siamese Fighting fish.

Recommended Betta Tank/Siamese Fighter Fish Tank

Before deciding to purchase a Betta fish it is important to consider the fishes’ home. The Betta fishes’ tank is going to be his or her home for the rest of their life.

Many people believe that Betta fish are able to live in small containers with no filtration or comforts. This sort of mindset is wrong and it needs to be set right for the sake of Betta fish.

The ideal Betta fish tank is a glass aquarium that is at least 10 gallons (37L) and rectangle in shape. Fish tanks or aquariums are not very expensive so it is recommended that you purchase a decent sized aquarium now to avoid the hassle of having to upgrade in the near future.

Betta fish originate from Thailand were their natural habitat would be small, shallow bodies of water such as rice fields and pools of water. If you want your Betta to thrive then you need to strive to make the aquarium habitat as close to the fishes natural habitat as possible.

Small tanks, bowls and jars can have major side effects on the fish especially in terms of health. Small containers cause temperature and water quality to fluctuate which stresses the fish.

Just because most pet shops store Betta fish in bowls or containers does not mean you have to give the fish the same fate. It is in yours and the fish’s best interests to provide a decent sized fish tank with an adequate filter and heater if necessary. Betta fish are not used to deep water so the best tank will be a rectangular based Betta fish aquarium.

Siamese fighters or Betta fish can live in small containers, but only for a limited amount of time until the stress and poor conditions start to take a toll on their health. Remember that your fish has to live in that tank for the rest of its life so it is worth creating a comfortable living environment.

I am going to be setting up a new fish tank for a Betta fish and I will post details and keep all readers updated on my progress. By setting up a new tank and posting the details you will be given first hand information on the tank set up process.

Thats all for now

Betta Fish / Siamese Fighting Fish

Scientific name:  Betta splendens

Family: Anabantidae

Common names: Siamese Fighting Fish, Siamese Fighters, Betta Fish

Size: Up to 6 cm in length, breeds at 5 cm

Origin: Thailand

Ease of Keeping: Easy

Temperature Requirements: 70 - 85 F (21 - 30 degrees Celsius), breeds at 80 F or 26 - 27 degrees Celsius.

Male and female Differences: Males have long, trailing fins, females have short fins. Males are more colorful than females.

Temperament: Male Betta fish are aggressive towards each and they will fight until one gives up or dies. Female Betta fish can be kept together. Males should not be put in the same tank.

Recommended Tank: A small sized fish tank such as 30 cm is perfect for a single Betta fish. Siamese Fighters are solitary fish and they will be happy alone. Their tank should be quiet and have a gentle filtration system. Plants and hiding places are recommended.