Buzz
Betta fish (also known as Siamese Fighting Fish) are adored for their stunning colors and delicate, flowing fins. However, when buying Betta fish from a pet store, it can be difficult to tell whether the fish is young or fully grown. While determining the exact age is challenging, it's possible to estimate it with reasonable accuracy based on observation and practical experience.
Steps
Assessing the Age of a Betta Fish Based on Specific Characteristics
Check the size. Typically, adult Betta fish measure around 7.5 cm in length. You can use a ruler along the side of the tank to measure the fish. If the fish is shorter than the average length, it is likely not fully grown yet.
- It is difficult to measure a Betta's exact size. Usually, you can estimate the length by placing a ruler on the tank glass. Be patient, as healthy Betta fish rarely stay still for long periods.
Examine the fins. Adult Betta fish have beautiful, flowing fins. If you observe this feature, it could be a sign that the fish is fully grown. If the fins are still small, the fish may not be fully mature or it could still be a juvenile.
- Identify the gender of a Betta fish. Female Betta fish generally don’t have long, delicate fins like the males.
- Don't confuse natural fin shape with damage caused by illness.
- Some Betta species, like the halfmoon, naturally have fins that appear torn or ragged.
Older Betta fish typically have more worn fins. The edges of their fins may show slight fraying or tears.
Assess the color of the fish. In general, younger Betta fish tend to have bright, vivid colors, while older ones typically appear more faded and darkened.
Note: Betta fish bred for pets come in a wide array of colors. However, wild Betta fish are usually gray or dark-colored, with only small flashes of bright color visible when they fight.
Recognizing the signs of an aging Betta fish
Observe changes in the fish's body. You may notice the fish's color fading slightly each day, or despite regular feeding, the Betta fish is becoming thinner. These are signs that the Betta is aging.
Tip: As Betta fish age, their backs may begin to change. Older Betta fish tend to have a slight curve in their back, while younger Betta fish have flatter backs. The curved area on the back is quite round, so don’t mistake it for a spine condition.
Recognize changes in strength. As Betta fish age, they become less interested in flaring their fins. After many years, they may even refuse to flare at all.
- Additionally, healthy adult Betta fish swim around their tank energetically, while older fish tend to hide among plants or decorations and swim lethargically.
- When feeding your Betta, observe how quickly the fish finds the food. Older Betta fish may swim slowly and miss several attempts before noticing the food.
Look for signs of cloudy eyes in older Betta fish. It is common for older Betta fish to develop "cloudy eyes," a cloudy spot in their eye. This is a normal condition for aging Betta fish, and it will happen whether they are kept in a large tank or in pristine water conditions.
Tip: Dark, clear eyes that are difficult to observe indicate that the Betta is a healthy, fully grown adult.
Tips
- With proper care, Betta fish can live anywhere from 2 to 6 years.
- When buying Betta fish from a pet store, they are typically between 3 to 12 months old.
- It’s a good idea to note the date you purchase the fish to track its age more easily.
- It's best not to keep two Betta fish in the same tank unless you have prior fish-keeping experience.
