How to Help Your Betta Fish Live Longer

Select a healthy fish. You should purchase your fish from a store or seller who takes good care of their fish. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine the condition of the fish before buying. You might not know its age or if it carries any diseases. Betta fish in pet stores may be stressed, sick, or living in unsanitary conditions. These factors can contribute to an early death.

• A healthy fish will be more active than an unhealthy one.
• Look for signs of physical damage on the fish.
• Check for silvery spots that could indicate illness. Note that some betta varieties naturally have spots.

Purchase blue betta fish. The reason is that common betta fish food contains compounds that enhance the red coloration in red bettas but boost disease resistance in blue bettas. These compounds, known as carotenoids (orange pigments like those in carrots), increase orange, red, and yellow pigments in bettas. Blue bettas benefit from improved immunity rather than enhanced red pigmentation. Female bettas also seem to prefer blue males over others when consuming these pigment-enhancing compounds.

Choose younger fish. Many people are unaware of a fish's age when purchasing. There's a risk of buying an older fish, which reduces the time you’ll have with it. Selecting a younger fish increases the likelihood of enjoying your pet for a longer period. While not always the case, smaller fish are generally younger. As bettas age, their fins grow longer, and their bodies become larger. Although bettas vary in size, opting for smaller fish increases your chances of getting a younger one. For certainty, contact a breeder.

• Fish that are too young are also not ideal. They are more prone to stress when introduced to a new environment.

Inspect the aquarium water. Check if the water in the tank is dirty. Look for leftover food, as this indicates overfeeding or the fish not eating. These signs suggest poor care, which can shorten the fish's lifespan.

Observe other fish in the tank. Even if your chosen fish appears healthy, it doesn’t mean it’s disease-free due to shared water in the store. Fish can contract illnesses from others in the same tank. If other fish in the tank seem unhealthy, your chosen fish might also be at risk.

Avoid buying more than one fish at a time. While it’s possible to keep multiple bettas together, each has a slightly different temperament. To ensure the safety of your betta, it’s best to keep only one in a tank and avoid adding others unless you’ve done thorough research.

Choose an appropriately sized tank. While many claim bettas thrive in tiny puddles, these fish actually prefer deeper waters of 30-60 cm, similar to the rice paddies they inhabit in the wild. Opt for a tank with a minimum capacity of 8 liters to provide ample swimming space. Generally, tanks smaller than 8 liters are too cramped.

Add aquatic plants. Aquatic plants are a fantastic addition to any betta tank. While artificial plants are low-maintenance, live plants enhance water quality by filtering and oxygenating the water, though they require more care. Whether you choose real or fake plants, avoid those with sharp or rough surfaces, as they can damage the delicate fins of bettas. Here are some safe options:

• Silk plants
• Java fern
• Christmas moss

Fill the tank with clean water. This is one of the most critical steps in setting up a betta tank. Tap water poured directly into the tank can be lethal due to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, which are toxic to fish. These substances can harm bettas and shorten their lifespan. Use a water conditioner to treat the water before adding your fish. You may also need to let the water sit for a few days to ensure sufficient dissolved oxygen levels.

Warm the tank water. Tap water is often not at the ideal temperature for bettas. Native to Southeast Asia, bettas thrive in warm water, ideally between 22-26.5°C. Consider purchasing a heater and thermometer to maintain a healthy environment.

• Warmer water keeps your betta active and supports overall health.
• Cold water can be fatal to bettas.
• When setting up the tank, warm the water and maintain the temperature for 1-2 days before introducing the fish.
• When adding the fish, ensure the tank water matches the temperature of the water the fish is currently in. Float the bag or container holding the fish in the tank until the temperatures equalize to prevent shock, which can be deadly.

Choose suitable tank mates for your betta. Betta fish cannot coexist with just any fish due to their aggressive nature. Two male bettas in the same tank may fight to the death. Female bettas can sometimes live together but may also harm each other. Many opt to keep bettas in separate tanks, but if you wish to house them with other fish, select compatible species such as:

• Neon tetras (schooling fish)
• Bristlenose plecostomus (algae eaters)
• Glass catfish

Establish a consistent care routine. Without daily attention, your fish may not live long. Remember, fish cannot communicate when they’re hungry or when the water is dirty. To maximize your betta’s lifespan, regular care is essential. Creating a routine ensures you stay on top of their needs.

Feed your betta properly. Regular feeding with the right food is crucial. Many stores sell betta-specific food, but always check the ingredients. Avoid foods primarily made of fish meal.

• Many bettas dislike flake food.
• Betta pellets are widely available at pet stores.
• Frozen or freeze-dried foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp are excellent supplements to pellets.
• Offer live food when possible. Studies show that commercial dry foods can negatively impact betta health if they make up more than 25% of the diet. While live food can be costly and time-consuming, it greatly benefits betta health.
• Consider an automatic feeder if you’re away for extended periods to prevent starvation.

Keep the water clean. Regular water changes are necessary, depending on tank size, filtration, and whether live plants are present. Use a water testing kit to ensure a clean and healthy environment, which is vital for extending your betta’s lifespan.

Clean the aquarium regularly. Algae can grow on the tank walls, and cleaning ensures water quality and better visibility of your fish. Gravel or decorative stones at the bottom also need cleaning and occasional replacement. Waste buildup can harm your fish and even lead to death. While filters help, you’ll still need to siphon waste from the substrate.

• Use a siphon tube to remove waste and water into a bucket.
• Invest in a magnetic aquarium glass cleaner or a long-handled scrubber to avoid getting wet while cleaning algae.
• Avoid using soap. Thorough scrubbing (without chemicals or soap) is enough to clean the tank.

Engage with your betta. Due to their aggressive nature, many use mirrors to provoke bettas to flare their gills. While this can cause stress, occasional mirror play is harmless. Studies show that while victorious bettas consume more oxygen, this behavior has no significant negative effects. Mirror play can provide exercise and reduce aggression toward other fish.

Monitor for signs of illness. Sometimes, observing your fish closely can reveal their health status. Regularly check for signs of disease to ensure your betta stays healthy. Look out for:

• Loss of appetite
• Rubbing against rocks or plants
• Lying at the bottom of the tank
• Swimming upside down or sideways
• White feces
• Faded coloration
• White spots on the body

Test the water. Water samples can be analyzed using at-home test kits available online or at pet stores. You can also take samples to a store for professional testing. Water analysis is one of the best ways to identify fish health issues, revealing imbalances that may affect your betta’s well-being.

Maintain the tank water at 26.5°C. If the water is too cold, your betta may fall ill. A temperature of 26.5°C is optimal for bettas and helps prevent various diseases. This temperature can slow the progression of illnesses like white spot disease and boost your fish’s immune system.

Clean the water and tank thoroughly. If your fish is sick, the water may be contaminated. Focus on cleaning the water, rinsing the gravel, and scrubbing the tank walls when your betta is unwell. Avoid soap, as cleaning agents can be lethal to fish.

Isolate your betta from other sick or aggressive fish. Like all animals, fish can injure each other or spread diseases. In such cases, isolation is crucial. Keep a small quarantine tank ready for emergencies.

• Avoid using rocks or shells not purchased from pet stores in your tank, as they can affect water quality and harm your fish.