Betta fish
Betta splendens
beginner careOverview
The betta fish (Betta splendens), or Siamese fighting fish, is one of the most popular — and most misunderstood — aquarium fish. Those flowing fins and vivid colours make it a superb centrepiece, but the tiny cups and bowls bettas are often sold in are the root of most betta problems. Give a betta a proper heated, filtered tank and it’s a hardy, characterful, beginner-friendly fish that will interact with you daily.
Tank & water
A betta needs a minimum of 19 litres (5 gallons), though 20–40 litres is better and more stable. Key requirements:
- Heater: bettas are tropical — hold 24–27 °C with a small heater. Unheated room-temperature tanks stress them and shorten their lives.
- Filter, gently: a filter keeps water clean, but bettas hate strong current — baffle the outflow or use a gentle sponge filter.
- A lid: bettas are jumpers. Always cover the tank.
- Planted and decorated: broad-leaved plants near the surface (like anubias or java fern) give resting spots and security.
Feeding
Bettas are carnivores with small stomachs. Feed a quality betta pellet or betta-specific food once or twice a day, only what they clear in a couple of minutes, with the occasional frozen or freeze-dried treat (bloodworm, daphnia). Overfeeding and the resulting water pollution are common problems — when in doubt, feed less.
Tankmates
Male bettas are territorial and must never be housed with another betta. In a larger, planted tank some keepers succeed with peaceful, non-fin-nipping tankmates (small rasboras, corydoras, snails, shrimp — though shrimp may be eaten). Many bettas do best alone. Watch your individual fish: temperament varies a lot.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Keeping them in unheated bowls or vases (too cold, too unstable)
- Skipping the filter and cycle
- Strong filter flow shredding their fins
- Overfeeding
Get the setup right — see our how to set up a betta tank guide and the best betta tanks — and a betta is a rewarding, long-lived first fish.
Betta fish — frequently asked questions
What size tank does a betta need?
At least 19 litres (5 gallons), heated and filtered. Bettas are tropical fish that need stable warm water and room to swim — the tiny cups and bowls they're often sold in are not suitable homes. Bigger is easier to keep stable.
Can betta fish live with other fish?
Sometimes. A male betta can work in a larger, well-planted community with peaceful, non-nippy, non-flashy tankmates and no other bettas. Many are happiest alone, though, and some are too aggressive for any tankmates — judge your individual fish.
Do betta fish need a heater and filter?
Yes to both. A heater keeps them in their 24–27 °C comfort zone, and a gentle filter maintains water quality. Just tame strong filter flow, as bettas dislike current with their large fins.
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