The vibrant and resilient betta is one of the most popular pet fish to maintain for both beginning and experienced aquarists. Despite the fact that bettas like their owners and are always delighted to see you, most people mistakenly think that they are indolent. But is this actually the case? But thriving and surviving are two different things! Bettas kept in these circumstances typically have a weakened immune system and can not remain resilient for very long. Are bettas hardy fish though?
Betta fish are among the most striking fish species you will find in a pet shop, thanks to their dazzling colors and long, slinky fins. Bettas are renowned for being tough and simple to maintain, in addition to their attractive appearance, making them difficult to resist.
However, is our betta fish tough? Yes, betta fishes are more resilient than a lot of other fish. Bettas require less room than other species and may thrive in water with less oxygen. Betta fish, however simpler to maintain, require regular care in order to thrive as pets. If not, they risk getting sick and dying.
Even if it is a brief response, it will satiate your curiosity for the time being. Discover the most typical betta fish illnesses in the following paragraphs, along with advice on how to maintain a healthy, robust betta.
Are Bettas Difficult To Maintain?
The robust fish known as bettas are known to live up to a decade with proper care with an average lifespan of 7 years. Twitching, rubbing against objects in the aquarium, white spots, or rust are all red flags that your betta is unwell. If the fish appears listless, lacks appetite, or swims in an odd manner, keep an eye out for discoloration-like brown spots.
There are several typical causes of betta illness. :
- Poor water quality — bettas need filtered, clean water.
- Betta fish need warm water that is about 80°F in temperature because they are tropical fish.
- Bettas can experience stress if their tank conditions are poor or if their tank mates are unsuitable and harass or agitate the betta.
- Fish can become unwell from hereditary disorders or from unsanitary tank conditions.
Bettas can get a lot of different diseases, including:
- A bacterial condition called fin rot weakens the immune system, consumes the fins, infects the body, and ends up killing the fish.
- Ich is a parasite condition that results in cysts on the fish’s body, gills, and fins that resemble white spots.
- A parasite illness called velvet makes fish appear to be covered in rust.
- Bloat: A swollen abdomen results in decreased appetite, sluggishness, and breathing issues.
we will be getting further into details about diseases in the next subtopic.
Are Betta Fish Hardy?
Betta fish are among the toughest aquarium fish, yet they are still susceptible to illness and death, similar to any other less hardy species.
Betta fish are frequently observed residing in vases containing only a plant on top of them as food. Although they can live in these circumstances, they will not be content or healthy if they are confined to a small bowl or container.
For bettas to stay robust and healthy, they require filtration, warm, clean water, roomy tanks, regular feeding, and environment augmentation like plants and caves. Without these essentials, even the toughest betta would be prone to illnesses and deteriorate.
The following conditions commonly affect betta fish:
Fin Rot
A majestic betta develops fin rot, a bacterial condition that eats away at the fins and makes them look crippled. The majority of the time, this ailment is brought on by unfavorable water conditions, which exhaust the betta and reduce her immune system’s capacity to fend against the illness. Fin rot will eventually kill your betta if untreated since it will infiltrate its body.
Complete water replacement and antibiotics for the underlying bacterial infection make up the course of treatment. To further reduce the likelihood of secondary infection, antifungal drugs are often employed.
Ich
One of the most prevalent and enduring parasite illnesses in freshwater fish is ich, commonly known as white spot sickness.
A few white spots like grains of salt appear on the betta’s body, fins, and gills as the initial symptoms of this illness. These little patches, nevertheless, are essentially cysts that house the larval stage of both the parasite to mites.
In an attempt to rid itself of the parasites, an afflicted betta would rub against any tank surface or clamp its fins. If not identified and treated in a timely manner, this illness is extremely contagious and fatal.
Velvet
The parasites discovered in the tank’s water are what cause velvet, also described as rust or gold dust illness. A betta that is afflicted will begin rubbing along anything in the aquarium and will appear as though it is covered in rust or gold dust.
The treatment for velvet resembles the medication for ich and entails elevating the water’s temperature, lowering the tank’s lighting, and giving the betta malachite green.
You should be aware that velvet is extremely treatable when detected early, giving your betta an excellent chance of survival.
Bloat
For many bettas, bloat also referred to as dropsy or edema, is a common issue. The scales on the abdomen stand apparent due to the condition’s swollen abdomen.
The most frequent cause of bloating is overeating, but parasites, germs, and viruses may also be to blame. A bloated betta could have trouble breathing, have a smaller appetite, and act listless.
Bloat can be easily treated by having your betta go on a fast until it stops, at which point you can change its diet.
Are Bettas Easy To Keep?
Bettas are known for being tough because they are easy to care for, live a long time, can exist in temperatures below their preferred range, and therefore can breathe just above water’s surface.
Simple to Maintain
Compared to other types of fish, bettas are low-maintenance and simple to care for. To survive, they still require a well-designed tank filled with warm, sterile water.
Long Lifetime
Because they can survive for far longer than the typical fish, bettas have a reputation for being tough due to their ability to end up living up to 10 years.
Adaptable to Cooler Water
Since they are tropical fish, bettas can tolerate lower surface temperatures but still need a warm habitat to thrive. Betta fish can tolerate conditions as low as 76 to 72°F but prefer temperatures between 78 and 80°F.
Has The Ability To Breathe Above Water’s Surface
Bettas have the ability to breathe in both underwater air and surface air. This indicates that they can endure in smaller tanks filled with water that contains less oxygen. This does not imply, however, that they are not in need of water that is pure, filtered, and oxygenated.
Possibly Aggressive
Betta fish are also referred to as Siamese fighting fish because they may be violent and territorial in their aquarium. Although they may strike or intimidate other species in the aquarium rather than succumbing to fear, bettas are often regarded as robust fish.
How Much Cold Can Bettas Handle?
Tropical fish called bettas are native to Asia, where they inhabit warm, shallow waters among rice fields and streams. Bettas in captivity require warmer water levels in order to grow because they are native to such a warm habitat. Moreover, bettas prefer a temperature of 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Bettas can endure lower temperatures, which is one of the explanations why they are resilient fish.
Betta can endure colder than this range, down to 76°F, and temperatures as high as 85°F. Bettas will start to feel poorly and sluggish, and their immune systems will deteriorate if the tank temperature falls to roughly 72°F or lower.
You will require an aquarium heater to maintain the water at the right temperature for healthy bettas. To ensure that the aquarium is heated throughout, a big aquarium may require two heaters, one at either end of the tank.
Care Advice To Keep Your Betta Strong
As I previously mentioned, bettas are more resilient than the majority of other aquatic species, but if they are not given the right care, even the most resilient betta will fall ill and pass away.
Bettas are not minimal maintenance pets, despite what many people think; nonetheless, once you get acclimated to the routine, trying to take care of them will not be difficult.
The following advice will help you keep your betta strong and healthy:
Large-Sized Tanks
In spite of the fact that they require less room than other fish species, bettas cannot be kept in a container.
Although bettas can survive in locations with less oxygen than other fish, they still benefit from having more space because they like to swim and explore. Bettas should be kept in tanks that are at least 5 gallons in size, but 10 or 15 gallons would be preferable, especially if you plan to keep many bettas or keep them in an aquarium with other fish.
Tank Additions
Make sure to include plants and caverns inside the tank if you want your betta to remain hardy. Live vegetation is always preferable and will give your betta interesting places to hide or explore.
Bettas enjoy both caves and vegetation. Bettas are aggressive, but they like to hide in locations where they feel comfortable. The best option would be live plants, but if none are available, silk or synthetic plants can still be used.
Excellent Water Conditions
Bettas require clean, warm water. Filtered water should be maintained at a temperature of 78 to 82°F with a heater. Bettas can endure low water quality, but they will not thrive and eventually get unwell. As a result, you should buy a filter and perform partial water changes every week.
Purchase A Heater
Bettas prefer water that is around 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit since they do not enjoy the cold. Therefore, you ought to think about purchasing a tank heater unless your property is already maintained to this same degree.
HEATERS:
- HITOP PTC Adjustable Aquarium Heater, Sturdy Fish Tank Heater with Protective Cover, 100W/200W/300W/400W Heater for Fresh/Saltwater Fish/Turtle Tank up to 120 Gallon
- hygger Variable Frequency Aquarium Heater, 500W Quartz Fish Tank Heater with LED Digital Display Thermostat Controller for 50-100 Gallon Freshwater Saltwater Tank
- Eheim 3619090 Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater 300W, Black
A Healthy Diet
Due to their carnivorous nature, bettas require food that includes insects, larvae, and grub in addition to their betta diet pellets. Your betta has to consume a variety of things like insects, insect larvae, specialty betta diet pellets, and freeze-dried grub to be robust.
Feed your betta no more than what it can consume in a few minutes twice daily.
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Cycle The Tank
It is not a good idea to place your newborn betta fish in an uncycled aquarium since it can weaken its immune system and leave it vulnerable to microorganisms, viral and parasitic diseases.
Therefore, make sure your cycled tank is prepared for the new resident before bringing a betta home.
Suitable Tank Companions
Bettas can live in harmony with other fish that are smaller than them and equally calm, such as mystery snails, ghost shrimp, guppies, Rasboras, Cory catfish, Tetras, common plecos, and loaches.
Signs That Your Betta Fish Is Active
Since it is a myth that betta fish are lethargic, most keepers worry when their fish begin swimming and moving all around the aquarium. There is no need to be concerned because this is typical betta behavior.
You can tell if your Betta is content and active by:
Great Appetite
Bettas enjoy eating, and healthy species will never turn down the chance to consume as much nutrition as possible. When food is placed in the tank, an energetic and content betta will immediately begin to eat it and will continually seek out more.
Therefore, if your betta looks forward to each meal, it is active and healthy.
Energy
Watch to see whether your betta is active. A healthy betta should swim a decent amount each day. Furthermore, while you are close to the tank, your swimming should improve even further.
Interaction
Betta enjoys interacting with its owners and following them around the aquarium. Your betta will vigorously swim down and up the tank’s side when it is close to you as if it wishes to be with you more.
Every time you gaze down into the tank, your fish should swim fast to the top.
Bubble Nests
An active and healthy betta can do certain actions to entice a partner. Any betta through its prime will want to breed because it is crucial to fish. The presence of a bubble nest in your aquarium indicates that your betta fish is content, healthy, and active.
Are Your Betta Fish Sluggish?
You should learn what else to look for when examining an inactive fish now that you are aware of what a healthy, active betta fish looks like. There are various indicators that can let you know whether your betta is fading away.
Try to immediately improve your betta’s living conditions if you see any of these:
Reduced Appetite
The initial indication that your fish might be sleepy is an alteration in your betta’s eating habits. An energetic betta will consume everything right quickly, but a dead fish will eat very little.
If your pet betta fish starts ignoring meals and picking at its food, you should be concerned. More unused food waste will also be seen at the bottom of the aquarium.
Less Bulky Appearance
Your betta will become leaner and appear sickly due to the decrease in hunger. Fish typically behave in this way when they are down and out of the mood.
Energy Loss
An active betta is one that is healthy. Therefore, if you see a drop in your betta’s activity levels, you should be concerned. A “lazy” betta will cease swimming normally and begin to lazily wander the tank.
Another thing you can see is that your betta is spending a lot of time resting in the same spot.
Drop-In Interest
A dormant betta will not respond when you approach the tank. This is a cause for worry because bettas like connecting with their owners. Your fish may stop showing interest in you, hide within the tank, or simply hover there without looking around.
Dull Color
Clumps in the fins and fading color may indicate depression in your betta. Some bettas exhibit lethargic behavior when depressed, while others may become ever more aggressive and exhibit erratic swimming patterns.
If your betta senses stress and vulnerability in its surroundings, it may exhibit any of these symptoms.
How To Prolong The Life Of Your Bettas
Your betta’s lifetime can be increased with proper care and nutritious food. However, avoid overfeeding it since this might result in fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), which can reduce the lifespan of your betta. 1 If your betta is housed in a non-aerated tank, significant water change measures will allow for keeping the water clean. A mild flow of water through the aquarium to create restrictions when floating will maintain your betta fish fit, but it should not be so strong that it sweeps the betta about the tank. Exercise has been proven to extend betta longevity. A betta seldom lives more than five years, despite this.
Where To Find A Betta Fish That Is Hardy
Where you buy your betta will affect its healthiness, hardiness, and lifespan. If at all feasible, buying a betta fish from a reputable breeder as opposed to a pet shop is recommended. Even while it may cost more, if your betta has been cared for properly, they are seen as more likely to live longer and in better health.
A breeder can also provide guidance on how to properly care for the betta, including how to keep the tank spotless and what kind of specialized food it requires. The betta is more likely to get sick if it is maintained in a small jar or if the environment is contaminated.
If there is foodstuff in the water, the fish may be being overfed or may already be unwell, which would explain why they are not as hungry. Look for any symptoms of the disease on the fish and any other fish it is housed with. Examine the fish for discoloration, white or brown patches, fins that are missing or being eaten, and fish that are moving or twitching unnaturally.
FAQ
Is Keeping A Betta Alone Cruel?
Bettas do not experience loneliness the way many community fish would since they are protective, aggressive, and solitary. It is nearly usually the best option to keep betta fish alone since, with the right care, they are content to live alone for the entirety of their lives.
Are Betta Fish Easy To Care For?
Betta fish not only require little upkeep but also have a propensity for living long, content lives. As a tropical fish, keep the tank around 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep a thermometer nearby so you can monitor the environment in your aquarium. Make sure your fish have access to enough water.
How Frequently Ought Bettas To Be Fed?
Once or twice a day, between two and four pellets should be fed to your betta fish. Pellets are incredibly nourishing for the betta fish and expand once placed in water. One or two days a week, fresh or freeze-dried food can be used in place of their pellet feeding.
What Freshwater Fish Is The Hardiest?
Danio rerios, sometimes known as zebra danios, are among the most resilient tropical fish you will ever manage. They are the greatest fish for beginning fishkeepers and aquariums since they do not care whether the water is soft or hard, stationary or moving, warm or not.
Conclusion
If kept in the right conditions, bettas are naturally resilient species that really can survive for up to ten years. However, despite their toughness, they still need a large tank with plenty of plants and caves, warm water that has been cleaned and filtered, and all of these conditions.