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Betta Fish Myths

17 June 2009 No Comment

Dont Make These Mistakes With Betta Fish

Betta-fish-myths

1. Betta fish should be fed as much as they can eat in 3 minutes

This is something that can be found on in the instructions of standard fish food packets. The thing is with bettas is that if given the opportunity they will eat a 19" meat feast pizza with stuffed crust, side of onion rings, a portion of chips and a chocolate fudge cake in 3 minutes! The stomach of a betta is about the size of one of its eyeballs and overfeeding them can result in a bloated abdomen. An adult betta only needs some bloodworm or three to four pellets that are about the size of an eyeball 1 or 2 times a day. It is also very important to keep an eye on your bettas weight in order to keep it healthy.

2.You should not keep Betta fish together in the same tank as they will fight and kill each other.

If you try and keep two male Betta fish together then the possibility of them fighting and causing serious injury is high but this doesnt automatically mean that bettas cant live with other types of fish. Smaller tropical fish that are known to be a little more mild mannered can often be compatible. When it comes to female Bettas it has been known for 2 to be kept together or with other compatible fish. Whatever you do it is essential to do your homework on the different species of fish you can have together.

3. Betta fish are pretty lazy and dont do much

If your Betta fish doesnt seem to do much and appears sluggish it could be due to your betta being unhealthy or that his living conditions are not correct. Healthy betta fish should be active and spend their day swimming and exloring their aquarium. If you find it isnt doing this then you need to carry out the standard water tests checking PH, nitrate and ammonia levels. Also check the temperature levels are correct for your betta.

4. Using a small container to keep your betta fish in makes it feel safe

This particular myth is born from the idea of their natural enviroment in shallow streams and rice paddies of Asia. Betta fish are adapted to live and breath in low oxygenated shallow waters. They are complete eco systems that are able to break down any fish waste produced. This fact shouldnt be mistaken for them liking living in a few cups of water and suffering from toxic poisoning as they are swimming in their own waste. Besides how could anyone possibly know that these small containers make bettas feel safe!??

5. You dont need a heater in a betta fish tank

Keep in mind bettas are tropical fish and require warm stable water temp of about 78 F (25.5C). Big temperature fluctuation can cause stress as fish cannot regulate their own temperature but 1 or 2 degrees cooler or warmer is ok as long as its stable. There are many factors to take into account with the need for a heater such as air and room temperatures and whether these are likely to go up and down.

6. Filters are not needed in Betta Tanks.

Unfortunately Betta fish have yet to develop immunity to toxic waste from fish food, waste etc. If anything they are more likely to problems with their fragile thin fins. I dont personally see what benefit NOT having a filter can do for your fish. If no filter is added then be prepared to increase your mantenance routine of water testing and changing

7. Frozen and live fish foods are too rich to feed your betta on a daily basis.

Like many things there are pro's and cons for most things, there is no evidence that live or frozen foods need to be used sparingly andd certainly no evidence they are "too rich". The fact is these fish foods are nearer to the bettas natural diet than the flakes and pellets of factory made food. There is no reason why fresh or frozen foods cant be fed every day if you choose. The key is to provide a balanced diet with a variety of frozen or live fish

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