Understanding Betta Behavior

sick betta fish

Betta behavior is amazing and often spectacular to view. They are often found to be aggressive towards other bettas, thus their name betta splendens, or splendid warrior.

What people often don't know about bettas is that they are only aggressive towards other bettas but not towards other fish. That's why bettas are considered to be a good candidate for community tanks.

Despite their spectacular displays of aggression, bettas are very gentle and are commonly targeted by other aggressive fish like tiger barbs. Aggressive betta behavior can be linked to the betta's mating habits. Males do often compete for the females just like any other animals. Though certain strains of bettas are more aggressive than others, even the calmer strains still exhibit this behavior but much less often than the more aggressive strain.

Whenever one male betta spots another they begin to exhibit the well known betta behavior. They start extending their fins and opening up their gills, trying to look as big as they possibly can and appear to pose a threat in terms of their strength and ability to fight.

This behavior is called displaying or flaring. If the size difference is huge, then you can expect the smaller fish to back down. But when the bettas are just about evenly matched, they will start attacking each other, so never put two bettas together, especially in tiny fish bowls where there is nowhere to run or hide.

There are inquisitive people who discovered that bettas can't actually distinguish between an actual betta and a reflection. Using a mirror is an often entertaining way of watching a betta fight without actually injuring it, and the display could last hours or days. Even two bettas that are placed in jars would still flair at each other just as long as they can see each other. They get bored eventually though and stop their futile displays of aggression. Replacing a betta with another one would surely start another flaring match since they don't know each other and they need to establish a new pecking order.

The issue of pecking order can even be seen in a community tank. When you combine bettas in a single tank, they start showing their usual betta behavior and start fighting and biting at each other. After a while, the biggest and strongest betta emerges and becomes the ALPHA fish in the tank. As long as that fish is in the tank, there would only be minor skirmishes that would occur inside your tank. But as soon as the ALPHA fish is removed, chaos again ensues as they try to establish the pecking order.

Aggressive betta behavior can also appear in baby bettas as soon as they begin to show some fin. Flaring then starts and soon enough they would then be biting at each other's fins. That's why breeders start to place male bettas inside jars until all that's left in the tank are female bettas.

- Mischa Hill

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Common Betta Diseases

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Proper betta care is important to keep a betta free from sicknesses. How do you know if a betta is sick? You can look for signs revealed on its body as well as its behaviour. For example, you can check whether the betta has abnormal color spots on its body. Also, if the betta display poor appetite or shows no sign of interest in its surrounding, then most probably the betta is sick. If the betta is suffering from a disease, it is important that it received prompt treatment. Some common betta diseases are described below.

A common betta disease is the ich (short for ichthyophthirius), a protozoan disease. A betta suffering from this disease will have white spots reflected on its body. These spots are actually formed by parasites embedded in the betta's skin. This betta disease needs to be treated promptly. If left untreated, the betta will die. The treatment for ich is to raise the water temperature to 90 deg F (32 deg C) and add a little salt to the water. The water need to be change at least once a day to remove parasite existing in the water. If the parasites are not cleared, they may attack the fish again. There are some medications available at stores to treat the infection but care must be taken to use the correct dosage. Especially for small betta bowls, an overdose of mediation should be prevented.

Another common betta disease is the Velvet. It is also a protozoan disease which will cause small yellow spots to appear on the betta's body. The betta will have a "sandy" appearance. In order to see more clearly the spots, you can use a torch light to shine on the betta. Velvet is more commonly found in young bettas than old ones. For this disease, you can place some salt in the water. There are medications sold by stores to treat the infection caused by this disease. Regular changing of water is also recommended to remove the parasites in the water.

When a betta's fin is damaged, fin rot may occur. This is because the damaged tissue causes infection. One of the ways of treating fin rot is to place the betta in clean water. If the fin rot is serious and providing clean water does not help the condition, then you can purchase some medications to remove the fin rot infection. As soon as the damaged is stopped, the betta could regenerate its fins. Even if the gills are affected by the fin rot, the betta can still take in oxygen from the air and stay alive.

The above are some common betta diseases. Prompt treatments are important to prevent the diseases from developing into more serious conditions which may result in death. Bettas must be kept in clean water, hence regular changing of water is required. Proper betta care must be given for betta to maintain good health and have long life. ! Please visit Betta Fish website for more information.

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Betta Fish Care - Free Guide

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Betta fish are considered to be some of the heartiest fish you can purchase, but is this really true? Yes and no. It is true that Betta fish are pretty stout, but this is a somewhat misguided rumor. They got their reputation due to the fact that they can live in some of the dirtiest and cloudiest water out there. The reason for this is because they have the ability to get oxygen direct from the air due to an organ in their bodies. In fact, Betta fish are much like any other exotic fish you need to take care of them diligently.

I put together this short guide in order to help Betta fish owners care for their Bettas. If you head this advice, you should have a happy, healthy Betta fish living in your home.

Betta Fish Care-Free Guide-Steps

1. The fist thing you want to do once you have selected your fish is to get them a new home. Ditch the jar from the store that is completely ridiculous! Would you want to live in a closet your whole life? Ok, so you want to look for something at a bare minimum of the 1 gallon range. This allows your new family member some swimming room. Now I have seen some pretty creative homes such as a large vases etc. You can get ideas by searching the internet for Betta fish tanks. Plenty of pictures are available.
2. Next you want to stock the home with a few items to give it that homey feel for your Betta. Think in terms of tank accessories that are going to be fin friendly. Why? As you have probably learned, Bettas tend to have long, beautiful fins that can easily touch things, get caught and tear. So, what you want to look for are things such as smooth pebbles, rocks for the bottom. Soft plant or two depending on tank size. Maybe one small item that sits on the floor of the tank that won't catch the Betta's fins. You may also want to color coordinate the tank and its accessories with the room your Betta will be in.
3. Filling and replacing the water is essential to good Betta Fish care. If you are using the recommended minimum size of 1 gal you can replace about one third to one half of the water once a week without any severe issues. If you do this, then about once a month it is good to completely clean out the tank. The reason for this is the build up of your fish's fecal matter on the bottom of the tank. You want to get rid of all that build up for obvious health reasons.
4. Important: If your tank is smaller than 1 gallon, then you will be cleaning out more frequently...keep that in mind!
5. Feeding is essential to good Betta fish care as well. There are two schools of thought here. One is to just feed your new family member regular fish food from a container. This is perfectly fine. The other is to feed your fish live food such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. These can be picked up at your local pet store. The second option obviously presents a more realistic way for your fish to feed, but either is fine. It is more a matter of personal choice and budget. One other option is to mix up both methods. This keeps a little variety in your Betta's life which is always good.
6. Very Important: Do not purchase two Bettas and place them in the same tank. This is the ultimate no-no. They WILL fight and it won't be pretty. The only time you would ever have two Bettas together is for mating purposes and even then it is for a short time in a very controlled environment. If you are going to purchase two or more Bettas for your children, be sure to explain how important this is. Bettas are very territorial. In the real world, if a Betta accidently crosses into another's territory, they can usually just swim away, but a tank turns into an arena for more than one fish.
7. Another word on Betta tank management. Placement is important. Be sure to place you tank or bowl in a location that allows for frequent viewing by you and your guests. Betta fish have been known to put on a show every once in a while when people are near the tank. You may see them swimming and jumping around quickly, or just staring back at you which is always fun. They might follow you around as well (in their tank of course).
8. This leads to another Betta fish care tip: cover your tank. These guys have been known to jump out of the tank, bowl if they can. There are two ways to prevent this. Do not fill the tank or bowl all the way to the top if you don't have it covered. Or, cover the top.
9. Cleanliness is important to Betta fish care so be sure to stay on top of this. When you notice left over food in your tank after about 30 to 45 mins of feeding. Go ahead and pull it out with a net. This helps to eliminate bacteria/fungal growth.
10. It is better to feed your Betta several times throughout the day in small amounts. They aren't big on the one big meal a day concept.

Betta fish care is a pretty simple task when you know the ins and outs. This free guide is very basic but should get you started.

You can find more Betta Fish Care Secrets here Eric is a Betta fish enthusiast with several articles, blogs and websites regarding Betta fish care secrets. For the most up to date information check them out. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Paton

Betta Fish Guide - Tips in Taking Care of Betta Fish

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Betta fish or the Siamese fighting fish is an attractive and colorful addition to your fish bowl and a great pet to take care of. The Betta is indeed a great fish to take care of and is relatively easy to take care of. However, it is important to learn the specific tips in caring for them, as they also need specific caring techniques.

In taking care of fishes, it is important to know and understand the behavior of the species as this will also tell you some hints on how to take care of them the proper way. Here are some of the important tips and a simple Betta fish guide that you might find useful in taking care of your Bettas.

For instance, male Betta should be kept in a separate jar and you have to make sure you only have one Betta in one jar. The male Betta is aggressive especially towards other male Bettas and you should not put 2 or more male Bettas together, as they can fight to death.

- Feed your Betta once a day. Blood worms or frozen dried brine shrimp are just two of the best foods you can give your Bettas. Keep in mind to clean the fish bowl from rotten food and those foods that have not been eaten, so only give what your Betta fish can take. One important thing you have to consider in feeding your Betta is to be aware that the Bettas will continue to eat as long as there is food in the tank and may even overfeed themselves to death. Thus, make sure that you only feed them with just the right amount of food. To determine how much is enough, you can find a Betta fish guide where you can find a quick reference on everything that you need to know about Bettas.

- Make sure that the fish bowl is cleaned once a week especially if it has no filtration. You can also use a pH meter to test the acidity of the fish bowl water. Bettas thrive well in waters with a pH of 7, although it can still thrive in pH of 6.5 to 7.5.

- Never put the fish bowl in direct sunlight or in the vents of a cold room. Make sure that you maintain the fish bowl temperature between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also watch the Betta fish's behavior and determine if the temperature is right for them. At higher temperatures the Bettas can become hyperactive and sluggish if he is in too cold waters.

- Add live plants to your fish bowl. This will serve as their hiding places and a great addition as well to your fish bowl. Avoid plastic plants as these can hurt and tear the Betta's fins. Also avoid rough rocks that may also tear the fins of the fish.

With a good Betta fish guide at hand, you will find the Betta fish easy to take care of. Just keep in mind the very important considerations and you will definitely enjoy the Betta fish on your tank.

Carolyn Anderson loves to take care of pets. If you are a fish lover, check out Betta Fish Secrets. Also check out Betta Breeding, if you are interested in breeding Betta fishes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson

How to Take Care of a Betta Fish - Tips For Beginners

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Saving a Betta fish from a cramped plastic cup at the pet store is a noble move, but only as long as you can provide a better environment for it. This isn't difficult, it's just a matter of getting a hold of the right information. Too many rumors and misconceptions float around in regards to "what's right" and people get caught up in what they've heard and end up killing their pets. Below I've compiled a few starter tips for you and pointed you towards several professional resources that helped saved my fish's life time and time again.

Temperature: Temperature is a subjective topic in the Betta care world, various "caring for betta fish" websites will give you different answers. Any temperature between 76 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit is suitable for every day life from a Betta's point of view, the main thing is to be consistent. Once your heater settles and can keep your tank water at one temperature in the acceptable range, try your best to keep it there, rapid temperature fluctuations can be harmful or even deadly to a Betta fish.

Tank Size and Feeding: These are both somewhat short answer items so I've combined them into one section. A Betta's tank size should be 5 to 10 gallons, larger is OK, smaller is not. Betta's do not live in little tiny ponds as rumored on various Betta forums on the internet. They live in vast expanses of wetlands (BIG puddles) and as such should not be confined to a little 1 gallon bowl. This misconception gets spread because so many Betta owners have no idea what a rice paddie really is, and just consider their Betta's natural habitat to be a shallow, muddy puddle. This is easily disproved by the fact that the Bettas living in large tanks with clean water are nearly always those that live longer.

As far as food goes, I highly recommend pellets for two reasons. They are well balanced and contains everything your fish needs in it's diet, and also that they are roughly the same size as one another. What does this mean? It means that you will be able to more easily ration your Betta's food. Two pellets twice per day (two in the morning and two at night) is plenty!

Live foods are great for snacks, but as far as an every day meal these foods (such as brine worms and blood worms) tends to be very high in protein and fats, but no other nutrients.

Most deadly Betta mistakes occur without the owner even knowing what's going on. To give your pet the best life possible put some effort into learning how to take care of betta a fish and collecting information. When my fish was inexplicably taking a turn for the worse I found my salvation in Betta Care Made Easy, a professional care guide downloadable online. You owe it to your pet to spend time learning. I've reviewed the two resources that I found most helpful in caring for my Betta on my blogsite at http://www.how-to-take-care-of-a-betta-fish.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_L_Gallamore

How to Take Care of Betta Fish - 5 Must-Have Tips

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When it comes to Betta care, there's a lot of stuff. And buy stuff, I of course mean information. The problem with this is that when so much content is put out without first being checked by a legitimate authority, rumors get started, and misinformation can spread like wildfire. Below are five time and research proven tips to successfully learn how to take care of Betta fish, enjoy!

#1) Tank Size: You may have heard around the Internet that it's okay to house Betta fish in 1 gallon tanks or containers because they are used to living in the rice paddies of Eastern Asian. The problem with this thinking is that Rice paddies aren't really small at all, in fact most of them extend for many miles and are over 1 to 2 feet deep. Just like most any other pet you own Betta fish love to be active. My fish currently lives in the 10 gallon tank and loves it. When picking out a permanent home for your finned friend, try and purchase the largest tank that is feasible for the space you have to work with.

#2) Food Type: while several varieties of Betta fish food are offered you should know that only a couple are truly suitable for everyday consumption. Live foods are great and your Betta fish will love them as treats, they do not provide the full nutrients your fish needs to maintain a healthy diet. The two foods I recommend are pellets or flakes. Personally, I prefer pellets because they are relatively uniform in size and therefore easy to measure out.

#3) Food Amount: In learning how to take care of Betta fish, you will find that one of the most common mistakes is overfeeding. A Betta fish's stomach is about as big as its eyeball, meaning it really can't hold a whole lot. Overfeeding is dangerous and is the number one killer of pet Betta fish. If you choose to feed pellets, give just two in the morning and two at night. Remember, or ish can go a long time without eating and if you can't remember if your fish has gotten a meal it's better off skip it, he'll be fine.

#4) Water Source: When it comes to the water source in your tank, the best way of guaranteeing a safe environment is by using tap water. Simply buy de-chlorination drops and use the instructions on the bottle to ensure no harmful minerals remain to hurt your fish.

#5)Water Temperature: This is the one place that I'm going to tell you being exact really doesn't matter. You'll want to have a small heater to maintain a temperature somewhere between 78 and 84°F. Anywhere in this range is perfectly suitable and will make for one happy fish.

There's a whole lot to know about being a good Betta owner. This doesn't mean, however, that having a happy, healthy pet is difficult. In learning how to take care of Betta fish I came across several resources and care guides that proved invaluable to me in my journey, each of which I have reviewed at the website below. Everything you need to know about Betta care, health, breeding, and even my own story can be found at http://www.how-to-take-care-of-a-betta-fish.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T_L_Gallamore

I Want to Buy Betta Fish! Where Do I Start?

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Before you buy betta fish, you should get their tank set up. Some aquarists new to the hobby buy betta fish from a pet store and leave them in the tiny betta fish bowls they are housed in. While your betta can survive in a small amount of water with little to no water circulation, they certainly will not thrive there. You probably chose bettas because of their amazing colors and fin plumage. If you want your fish to thrive and be the happiest, healthiest betta he can be, you will need to upgrade to a larger betta house when you buy betta supplies.

I buy betta tanks no smaller than five gallons, and prefer ten gallon tanks, because they make breeding, and adding betta tankmates and betta plants much easier. With a larger tank, you will also be providing your fish with many more chances to show off their individual personality.

Betta fish prefer shallow depths, so when choosing a tank for your betta, buy something lower and wider instead of deep. Not only will this make your water changes and maintenance easier, but it will also give your betta an environment most like his natural habitat.

Your betta has to eat. So, when you buy betta fish food, make sure that the food size is appropriate for your fish. I prefer flakes at first if the betta is small, and then pellets at later stages of his growth. There are a lot of options out there, but I prefer a standard betta flake food product. You can also use freeze-dried brine.

You of course will need to buy betta supplies like a net, lid for the betta tank, heater and filter. Buy a sponge filter, because good bacteria will grow in the filter collection area, and will provide the nitrates your fish needs to fight off diseases. When purchasing a heater, three to five watts per gallon will be sufficient. Hood selection and accessories like nets are not as important. Get what works for you.

Buy your betta an aquarium test kit, and cyle his tank before you add him. There are many good betta care guides that walk you through the water cycling process. This is the most important step in your fish's young life! Follow the directions, and add fish. Be forewarned, cycling aquarium water takes two to eight weeks, so you will have to be prepared to wait. But, when cycled properly, your betta tank will have pristine water quality, and your fish can live up to five years.

"Want to know all about Cycling Aquarium Water and total betta set-up and care? I have enjoyed raising healthy, happy bettas for over 20 years. Head to http://www.BettaFacts.infoand subscribe to my blog for a FREE Betta mini-course ($9.95 value) for a limited time!" Elizabeth Christopher Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Christopher

eBook Review - Caring for a Betta Fish - An Insider's Guide for Betta Lovers by Marcus Song

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Marcus Song's Caring for a Betta Fish: An Insider's Guide for Betta Lovers is filled with exclusive and little known insider information on caring for these exquisite and one of it a kind little fish. Even for someone like me, who has owned Betta fish nearly all of my life for their beauty and longevity, I learned something new at the turn of each and every page. This is a wonderful read for those who are curious to learn about these under water beauties and possibly obtain one (or three or four!) for themselves.

First, Song took me through the history of the fish, from the olden days in rice paddies to their name sake, the ancient Asian warrior Bettah clan, to their international dispense via a gift from the King of Siam. He also explained the fascinating and exciting world of fish fighting when the people of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam would put their homes and even their children on the line "on the outcome of just one fight."

We all know that Bettas are fantastically colored. But do you know why? They were not always so highly decorated. Song delves into color variations and just how Bettas got the immense variety of terrific tints and patterns that we see today.

While explaining the facts of how Bettas are no longer bred to fight but rather for their vivid hues, Song talks about how the species has calmed down their fighting spirit and become more tranquil, slowly but surely, generation after generation. Song took me through an incredible journey of how he himself has bonded with fish beyond anything in my wildest imagination. If cared for properly, Song claims a Betta will literally wag his tail when he sees his owner approaching and will possibly come to the surface for some extra TLC in the form of a pat on the head or a little leftover piece of chicken. In a later chapter, towards the end of the book, Song also informed me that after a bond has been formed you can actually train your Betta to do tricks such as jumping out of the water for food or swimming through hoops! I found these sections truly incredible, proving that the Betta is not just "some fish" but rather gentle companionship for those looking for an alternative type of pet.

Next, after getting some necessary background knowledge, I took a journey to the pet store in my mind with Song while he explained the do's and don'ts of scoping out a respectable pet store, choosing the right Betta, avoiding death and illness while transporting the little guy and introducing fishy to his new home. Although the tank set up procedure is simple, if it is not done correctly, it could be a life or death situation that you do not want to put your newest family member in. Song eagerly explained many Betta lover tips such as aging water to filtration instructions and beyond.

I began to wonder what else there was and if I, as a fellow Betta owner, was feeding my fish properly. Low and behold, the next chapter answered my questions precisely. Little did I know that Betta fish were carnivores and that my little guys craved treats like a small piece of chicken left over from dinner or even a tiny but juicy piece of steak! Song also eased my vacation stress of what do with our three Bettas when we went on our annual vacation. Our little men are easier to please and care for than I had thought a mere 30 minutes before diving into Song's book.

Song then prepared me for any health issues that my fish might have, some that might have gone unnoticed had I not taken a moment to read his book. There are many illnesses that can fall over your Betta but 99% of them can be cured if the owners observe their fish with attentive and loving eyes. Song gives me all of the information I could ever need on sicknesses, what to look for with each illness and Betta lover tips on treatment and even better yet, on prevention. It is so easy to stop these problems before they start. I learned many, many helpful tips to help my Betta fish become happier, healthier and stress free.

Lastly, Song took me into a place we have all been before: the loss and mourning period at the death of a pet. Most books do not speak of this topic but it is one that we have all experience with a beloved pet, big or small. Song made me feel comforted, that I wasn't alone, when experiencing feelings of loss and sadness after a Betta fish's death and where to go for help to cope with this loss if need be.

Song's guide, Caring for a Betta Fish: An Insider's Guide for Betta Lovers is truly a first in the Betta world. It is comprehensive and detailed yet easy to read and maneuver through. I found his tips thoughtful, informative and very simple to follow. Whether a member of a Betta group, a Betta breeder or just a fellow Betta lover my advice to you is to read this guide! Not only will it make you a better Betta owner, you will increase the quality of life for your Betta as well as yourself by giving yourself the gift of a truly unique and one of a kind pet for years to come.

For more information or to learn more on Betta Fish, please visit my blog Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bosun_Sogeke

Why Guppies Are a Great First Fish to Keep

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There are so many different fish species to consider when getting your first tropical freshwater aquarium. Some of the more common species include bettas, mollies, cichlids, guppies, catfish, and angels. Many domesticated types of fish are easy to care for, but some require special knowledge that is only gained through experience. Because of this, it is important to avoid just going out and picking up the most interesting fish you see at the pet store on your first visit. Guppies are a great species to consider as a first choice for several reasons.

Guppies are easy to care for
Guppies do not have many specific requirements. They are tolerant of a decent range of water temperatures and conditions. Being able to live in freshwater and salty water, they can easily adapt to slow changes in their habitat. Some fish can quickly die if aquarium maintenance is forgotten or unable to be done by the novice aquarist. This is not true for guppies. If you forget a water change while you are getting used to your new aquatic pets, you will be forgiven -- guppies should survive through this.

Will eat a variety of flake foods
There are no strict diet requirements for your new guppies. Almost any generic tropical flake food will be sufficient for your fish. If you can afford name brand foods, you will see the benefit of the added nutrients in the brighter colors and more active fish. If this is not the case, your fish will still be healthy pets.

Highly Prolific
This type of fish is highly prolific. If there is even a small chance of being interested in witnessing the joy of a live bearer giving birth, then guppies are a sure shot fish to choose. To breed these fish, a beginner just has to keep males and females together in clean water and feed them regularly. Each female will give birth to a new spawn every 30 days without fail!

Besides writing about guppies, John enjoys many aquatic topics. Most recently, he has started a website about custom fish tanks. One of the specific topics discussed is the acrylic aquariumand its many benefits! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnathan_Thomas

Taking Care of Betta Fish

sick betta fish

Everyone from college students living in the dorms to children learning how take care of their first pet. Aquarists from the beginner to experienced enjoy these dynamic and beautiful fish. Although they can survive in a wide range of conditions, if you want your Betta to live a long, health and happy life you will need to educate yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for your Betta fish.

Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a favorite fish pet because they are hardy and their housing can be relatively inexpensive. Everyone from college students living in the dorms to children learning how take care of their first pet. Aquarists from the beginner to experienced enjoy these dynamic and beautiful fish. Although they can survive in a wide range of conditions, if you want your Betta to live a long, health and happy life you will need to educate yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for your Betta fish.

The most common misunderstanding is the size of tank needed for a Betta; one fish will need a minimum of 3 gallons. They will survive for some time in smaller tanks but will most likely succumb to a disease, like fin or body rot, prematurely if not given more space to move. While Bettas are capable of living in stagnant pools, meaning unlike goldfish they don't need aeration in their tank because they can breathe from the surface, biological filtration is essential to successful housing. This can be achieved by an external filter with filter cartridges or by ensuring the water and substrate (i.e. gravel) have sufficient bacterial content to handle the biological load of the fish in the tank. To accomplish biological filtration the tank must not be cleaned completely, but instead leave most of the gravel untouched so that the beneficial bacteria have a habitat in which to live and proliferate. Also, be sure to save some of the 'dirty' water, which will contain the beneficial bacteria, to replace in the cleaned tank with the fresh water.

Males must not be housed with other males, but can in some cases live peacefully with females or other types of fishes. Always monitor your fish after introduction to the tank for unanticipated aggression or other incompatibility. When choosing tank partners the fish should be of similar size keeping in mind that most fish will eat any other fish that fits in their mouth. If you plan to keep smaller schooling fish, like neon tetras, with your Betta it can be a good idea to let them establish themselves in the tank before adding the Betta to ensure they know their way around and can keep out of the larger fish's way. Some tetras have been known to pick on a Betta's fins, so watch out for this behavior.

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Selecting and Setting Up a Betta Fish Tank

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How do I select and set up my Betta aquarium?

To answer this question, I will use Marineland Eclipse 5 as an example, because it's such a popular fish tank. But you can substitute any other brand or type, if you wish.

1. Size

Would an Marineland Eclipse 5 gallon Aquariums be right for your Betta fish? How can you be sure? Exactly how big should your Betta's home be? Let's get really scientific. There is a simple guideline to follow: you will need one gallon of water per one inch of adult Betta fish.

Since adult Bettas are generally about 2-3 inches long, a minimum Betta fish tank will be two to three gallons. Most "good Betta parents" add a gallon for good measure and that's how we arrive at a 3-4 gallon tank. That's an adequate Betta fish tank size.

If you really love your little finned friend, you get more generous with his living space and decide for more than a "minimum" - a size which will allow him plenty of room to exercise his fins, find places to hide and discover and never get bored. Remember, his tank will be his whole life. He doesn't get to take walks in the park. So, the ideal Betta fish tank size is 5-gallons. Marineland Eclipse 5 gallon aquariums are therefore an ideal starting tank for a single Betta.

There are some things you will need to do in preparation for your Betta's arrival. That's why it's best to get all your supplies about a week before you actually get your fish.

Besides size, there will be other choices for you to make.

2. Glass vs Acrylic

For example, should you get a glass or an acrylic tank? There are the pros and cons to both. Glass tanks are heavier and they can break when struck with a heavy object (not recommended!). Glass is also the most hygienic of materials. It is non-porous and that's one of the reasons it's been traditionally used by many aquarists for so many years. It is also cheaper than acrylic. It's scratch-resistant which makes for a beautiful, clear view of the interior of the aquarium for many years to come.

Acrylic does have its advantages, however. Besides being lightweight (it weighs half of what glass does), it also insulates about 20% better than glass and can thus save on your electric bill. That's why popular models such as Marineland Eclipse 5 use acrylic.

3. Ideal Site

• Presumably you won't be moving your Betta fish tank around much once you set it up. Water is heavy. One gallon weighs about 8 pounds... So decide where you will put it with some forethought.
• Put it where it will have enough space to comfortably fit on. You don't want it where it can be easily pushed off or ran into.
• Don't place it in direct sunlight, heating or air conditioning unit. Also avoid areas that are drafty. Remember, consistency of your Betta's water temperature is one of the most important factors in Betta care.
• Place it where there will be enough light during the day and dark and quiet during the night. Your Betta will need its rest and yes, Bettas do sleep...
• Avoid also any sources of constant vibrations, such as washing machines or stereos.

4. Gravel and Sand

If you are thinking of using live plants, you may need a layer of sand at the bottom of your aquarium for the plants to grow their roots in. Also, check out whether your Betta's future tank mates like to burrow in the aquarium floor. In that case you will also need sand for them. A good mixture of gravel and sand will usually be best.

You must get your sand and gravel from a pet store (online or near you). If you don't get the stuff that is "approved for aquarium use", it most likely will poison your Betta. Most products contain additives and chemicals your Betta would not be able to handle.

5. Tank decorations

Don't use any metallic objects in your Betta fish tanks. Most metals leech chemicals into the water which will poison your Betta. Also, do not use fabric plants in your Betta tank. All decorations need to be smooth as not to pose danger to your Betta's fins.

Make sure you place some decorations in the tank for your Betta to hide behind. Bettas love privacy!

Watch for any small holes in the tank decorations that Bettas might get stuck in. They need to be encouraged to explore, but without any such risks!

6. Tank set up before acquiring fish

This is the most important thing of all - get your tank, set it up and age and condition your water at least a week in advance of bringing home your fish, if not longer. Trying to do it all at once is the most common mistake new aquarists make.

More on the Betta fish tanks in later articles.

Happy Betta keeping!

- Mischa Hill

Mischa Hill is a Betta fish enthusiast. His website compares prices on a large selection of betta fish aquariums. Visit his site also for betta fish care tips, price comparisons on betta fish aquariums, supplies, remedies, books and more. Also, sign up for a Mini-Course on Betta fish care. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mischa_Hill

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Betta Fish Bowls

sick betta fish

One of the primary concerns when buying a betta fish is where you will keep it. Your options basically boil down to an aquarium or bowl. There are plenty of reasons why you should consider betta fish bowls, but also a few reasons you shouldn't. This article will discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

One of the first benefits of going with a bowl is that it's the much cheaper option. The least expensive aquarium will generally cost much more than the largest bowl you can buy. Most beginners go with this option for this very reason.

Beginners will also enjoy the next advantage of betta fish bowls. They are very simple. You just put your fish in the water and you're all setup. This is far from the case with an aquarium. At the very least, you have to put in gravel and a filtration system.

A bowl's size can also be considered an advantage. Since they're generally smaller, you should have no problem finding room for your new buddy. With an aquarium, you'll need to find a space large enough to fit it.

Smaller size also means less weight. Even filled completely, a bowl shouldn't weigh that much more than an empty aquarium. You shouldn't even bother trying to lift an aquarium when it's filled up with water. Therefore, you'll need to bring a water source for changes. You can take a bowl wherever you want to change the water.

Disadvantages

Now that you know some of the advantages of betta fish bowls, how about we discuss some of the disadvantages. As mentioned earlier, size can be considered a benefit. However, since they're so small, they're only suitable for younger fish. As your fish grows, he'll run out of space and you'll need to buy something bigger.

Remember how easy bowls are to setup? Well, since you won't be installing a filtration system, you'll need to do water changes manually. The water can become toxic in such a small environment pretty quickly, so this should be done very frequently.

However, you can get a filtration system for a bowl. But it can be tricky. You'll need to find a design that's efficient enough, but not powerful enough to generate a strong current. Your fish wouldn't appreciate that at all.

These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using betta fish bowls. While you're considering housing options, why not go ahead and start learning all about caring for bettas. There are many things you need to learn such as the most common betta fish diseases. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jake_D

Basic Information about Betta Fish

sick betta fish

One of the really cool things about betta fish, is that they have extremely well-developed eyesight. Because of this, the betta fish will learn to swim to the surface when it sees your hand over the bowl to feed it.

Betta Fish are also called Siamese Fighting Fish. The name Betta is pronounced as the Greek letter beta, and because of this, the name is often misspelled in American English, with one t instead of two. The name is however unrelated to the Greek letter, and is derived from the Thai 'ikan bettah'. In Thailand, betta fish is known as pla-kad. Bettas live in freshwater. Betta fish are one of the most popular aquarium fish, mainly because of its appearance, since betta fish certainly are not one of the easiest fish to keep in an aquarium. Betta Fish originates from the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia.

Betta fish grows to about 6 cm, and its life-span is on average four years, but well-kept aquarium specimens can live longer than six years.

Sometimes, when betta fish are aggravated, they "puff-out". When they are "puffing-out", the fish puffs out the gill covers and fins to appear more impressive. They do it to either intimidate rival males, or as an act of courtship (to impress the female :-)

In Asian countries, the betta fish are often used in fights similar to cockfighting. These fighting fishes usually have much shorter fins than the betta fish we are accustomed to see in the west. Betta fish in the wild usually have very short fins, but breeders have developed brilliantly-colored and longer-finned varieties.

Betta fish creates bubble nests, which are floating masses of bubbles. They are blown with saliva bubbles. These bubble nests are meant as a place for fertilized eggs to be deposited. The bubble nest is guarded by the male until the small betta fishes hatch. The bubble nests built by the male bettas are made from air bubbles coated with saliva to increase the strength. When the male betta makes the nest, it makes a louder noise then it does when breathing normally.

After the betta fish have spawned, the eggs floats into the bubble nest from below, or the male betta carries them there while holding the eggs in his mouth, as if he were to eat them. The male betta will then guard the bubble nest for the next 24-48 hours until the eggs hatch. He also keeps a close watch, and retrieves any eggs or fry that fall from the nest. He will also repair the nest by adding bubbles where needed. After the fry hatch in 24-48 hours, the father will tend the fish for the next couple of weeks.

Yanik White have spent years researching, collecting and breeding Betta Fish, aka. Siamese Fighting Fish. He breeds Betta Fish for a living, and sells them through his pet store. He writes about his experiences and shares his tips at his blog: Betta Fish Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yanik_White

Betta Fish

sick betta fish

This fish is quite unique and beautiful to look at. You will realize what satisfaction it gives you when you catch yourself gazing at these fish for the first time, pondering how magnificent and colorful it is.

Bettas are the exotic fish of fresh water fish, they have long vibrantly color tails and fins that extend beyond their body. Betta swim slowly but naturally aggressive in behavior.

Betta comes in many different colors, some even possess multiple color making it all an enjoyable fish to watch. You know this if you ever see salt water fish with astonishing color and stunning body line gliding across the water. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a lot of money to acquired a salt water fish to received the same satisfaction. Although, that is one way to go. Betta fish has exceed among fish enthusiasts as a gorgeous exotic fish that is truly affordable.

If you decide a betta fish is the way to go, you need to understand their characteristics. When bettas feel threaten by other fish or other betta, they will naturally flash brighter in color, open their long tail in a fan like display and cock their gills to make themselves look bigger and more vicious. This behavior often happens, first to warn other betta this is a threat and second this territory is occupied.

If you entice a male betta with a mirror or with another betta, he'll dance around fully cock to provoke fear, his action will display the environment is hostile indicating conflict. In some case an opposing Betta does not challenge and the superior would dance around to chase away the defeated one. Sign of a defeat or scare betta is lighter in color and his fins and tail will be compressed tightly against the body. A battle between two male betta can last for as long until the death of one fish.

Bettas are also know as Siamese fighting fish. Therefore, you should never put two male betta in one tank, each fish should occupied his own territory meaning separate betta tank.

Unlike the forceful male betta, their counter partner are not as aggressive. Female bettas can live together given that there are enough room to swim around.

You can easily tell apart a male from a female betta. Colors and shape of the body are different. Female betta have less color pigments and appear dull or faded, they have short tail and fin, but bigger stomach in contrast to their body. Female bettas are not as popular among fish enthusiasts choice of showcasing.

Investing in a betta can truly bring great satisfaction to you in ways that other expensive salt water fish may have. This might be the best investment you can make to share the experience and beauty of an exotic fish.

Discover the easy way to care and maintain bettas at http://malebetta.blogspot.com, Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mikeal_Thomas