Betta Fish Facts: Keeping Your Betta Happy And Healthy
Betta fish is one, if not the most sought after tank pets in different nations. Its bright colors, intricately shaped fins and interactive personality must have attracted aquatic life lovers of all ages. More than its interesting appearance there are must-know Betta fish facts that will surely fascinate and make a wannabe owner care for it properly.
Tracking back the hands of time, this type of fish was first spotted in Cambodia which was anciently known as Siam. This explains the origin of its other name Siamese Fighting Fish. Currently called Betta Fish or Betta Splendens, its glory as one of the most interesting pets has traveled towards the other continents of the world.
The beauty of this fish surfaces even in the presence of other marine life in an aquarium. With their long flowing wins, they gracefully swim in blue, red, purple and white hues. The fins of the male are usually longer. Their colors are more brilliant too. Stripes in the body and fins characterize a healthy female. Their ideal length ranges from two to three inches with proper Betta fish care.
Another of the Betta fish facts that interests most owners is that each fish can develop its individual personality. Generally, males fight against each other for territorial rea-sons. Thus, it is best not to keep them together. Males and females, on the other hand, exude different characteristics. Some somersault above the water to catch food while some could be tamed enough for you to touch. Gifted owners even find them highly trainable to do small tricks like jumping through hoops.
When it comes to its wellness, you would know that your fish is happy and healthy if it swims swiftly. Any dullness in its color and movement could signal that it is has health issues. To avoid death of such tank attraction, learn the basics of how to care for a Betta fish.
Betta fish tanks in general must have enough space on the water surface. This allows easy breathing for these fish which cannot breathe in the water. They drown in the water when they do not reach the surface to suck in air.
Five to ten gallons of water is what a single fish needs in order to live comfortably in a tank. Males in particular need this much supply of clean water for building bubble nests. These bubble nests serve as the resting place of the eggs that will be born of their mates. A male Betta prepares for this in one corner of the tank. He first gulps air and forms bubbles which he covers with his spit. Such practice keeps the bubbles from bursting until the eggs come.
Most owners share that the standard lifespan of these fish is two to three years only. However, some Betta fish facts show that under perfect conditions they can live for nine years. For this, the owner must provide regular amount of clean water for them to exercise in. If you bought yours from a pet shop, it has already lived a minimum of six months. Don’t fret as with proper care, it can live longer than that.
