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Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 2, 2009 17:15:19 GMT -6
I'm no expert on Bettas, but I thought I would help get this sub-forum started. Bettas are, in the public's eye, treated as second-class citizens along with goldfish. Being on display at major (and specialty) pet stores in small cups of water. Those of us "in the know" understand that there is a reason that these beautiful animals sometimes sentenced to solitary confinement, if you will.  I have read that Siamese fighting fish were bred many years ago for just one thing: the (inhumane) "sport" of fish fighting. Ergo the common life of solitude in vases and other small glass containers. Would anyone like to start out with general care tips for Bettas? Water quality parameters, minimum tank size/maximum size of adults, temperment, etc? Any compatible tank mates? |
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 2, 2009 17:52:37 GMT -6
Won't my betta be lonely if I keep him alone?
No. Bettas need to have a territory. They have an instinct to patrol the area they're in and will kill anything that it sees as a threat on its property. Everything points to bettas being happiest when they're alone in their kingdom. If you add another male betta to your male betta's realm one of them will die, if not both. If you add a female betta and they're not ready to breed, one of them is going to die--and it may be the male! If they do breed and you leave the female in with the male and the fry, she is dead. You can occasionally have more than one female in a tank with no males, if they grew up together and don't see eachother as a threat.
Should I put my betta in a tank?
Bettas thrive on heat, and will become increasingly listless when the water temperature falls below 75 degrees F. Water temperature is perhaps the biggest argument against keeping a betta in a tiny bowl (which cannot readily be heat controlled).
It's best to put them in a tank, but not a big one. Any more than 10 gallons will stress them as there's too much area to control. Also, filters are great. Bettas breathe air but they also have gills and clean water is appreciated. However, don't run the filter fast. Just a slow trickle. And it's best to avoid airstones and bubbly toys. Their habitat is normally rice patties and slow moving waters. Too much turbulence seems to cause them not to eat. Therefore, it's upsetting.
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 2, 2009 18:07:32 GMT -6
Would my betta like to live in a vase with a peace lily?
No! Bettas have a modified lung called a labyrinth organ on their heads. They NEED to breathe the air. They need access to the water's surface and some clear air above it. The plant will prevent him from reaching fresh air. Even if you have a filter running he will still need to breathe the air, as it's his instinct. Interfering with instincts of animals is detrimental to their health.
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 2, 2009 18:09:51 GMT -6
What's that plant called that bettas eat?
I was asked this question, and didn't have a name for a plant as they are carnivores. Therefore, feed your betta a food rich in protein and where the first several ingredients are fish, krill, shrimp, etc. They need the protein, and they will live a lot longer if it's provided. Bettas do appreciate plants for security, but not for lunch.
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 2, 2009 18:12:50 GMT -6
How about tankmates? If I want to put my betta in with other fish, would he like a gourami? They breathe air.
No.
Would he like an angelfish?
No.
How about a guppy? That's not threatening.
No! Not unless it's a feeder guppy with no fancy tail.
Neons?
No. Colors are too bright.
Cichlids?
No! The cichlids will shred him in an instant!
You get the picture--he's better off alone. Really--he's happy that way!
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 2, 2009 18:21:17 GMT -6
My betta seems swollen, and his scales stick out. He won't eat. What's wrong?
I'm sorry. He has dropsy. Dropsy seems similar to bloat, or kidney failure. In fact, his kidneys are failing. That's why he's swelling. He's not going to make it. You can try bettafix and tetracycline and all sorts of things but his prognosis is grim.
How did he get it?
That depends. Bettas need a few basic things. Clean water--if he's in a bowl you need to change it frequently. He's swimming in a toilet bowl basically. The more he wastes the more toxic it becomes. Also, they need small frequent meals . They won't eat a lot at once. Feed sparingly a couple of times a day. Overfeeding causes water deterioration and failure of health for your betta. Small bowls need changed every other day. A 1 or 2 gallon tank can go a week.
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 2, 2009 18:25:01 GMT -6
My betta died. And none of these things were issues for me! He just got quiet and was gone. Why? I only had him a year or so! He was young when I got him. I know that because his color got so much better when I brought him home.
Bettas in pet stores are not young as a rule. A betta's life span is 2-5 years. More likely 2-3. Overall conditions they've experienced and food quality will add to or subtract from this lifespan. Here's what you may not know. Breeders don't take bettas directly to pet stores. They bring them in when they're a year or more in age. That way they have full finnage and more color .The reason his color increases when you bring him home is he's happy. He's better cared for. You got him out of the bowl of blue toilet water and gave him a clean environment and no doubt better food. He probably lived to a ripe old age and it was his time to go. If you want a baby, get from a breeder directly. You'll have a longer time with your friend.
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Post by sirknight on Nov 2, 2009 19:40:14 GMT -6
Tina,
As a former President of the International Betta Congress, a former IBC certified Judge, a winner of a few class championships and a few best of shows, all I can say is, Excellent advise.
I will say there is a big difference in show fish vs. store fish, including the fighters.
Joe
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 2, 2009 19:55:50 GMT -6
Thanks Joe. I learned the first things from you. But I didn't cover those as they were breeding things. And I didn't listen about the culling so I don't feel qualified to give that area. I would love to know all about show bettas and doing the breeding for show, showing them. etc. If you have the time and inclination to educate us I'd be listening!
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 3, 2009 8:12:15 GMT -6
Joe,
I looked at the IBC website and the links of chapters, and found that the veil tail betta is looked down upon by show breeders. There wasn't any explanation given, though. Why is that?
And I don't see any with the fuschia color some of mine have. Is that a bad color? I think it's gorgeous.
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Post by sirknight on Nov 4, 2009 10:31:17 GMT -6
The reason that Vail tails are looked down upon is they don't have a symmetrical over all shape. The delta tail, and half-moon caudal fin along with the anal fin and dorsal comes closer to a symmetrical shape.
Joe
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 4, 2009 10:33:26 GMT -6
I love the half moons. They have SO much flare.
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Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 4, 2009 21:12:19 GMT -6
Excellent info! Now I'm wanting to dedicate my 10g to a Betta. |
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angel
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Post by angel on Nov 4, 2009 21:17:40 GMT -6
All my bettas are shouting "Pick me, pick me!"
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Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 4, 2009 21:50:57 GMT -6
Lol! In due time... You already know I'm hooked. Just need to get the 29 up and running, then work on the 10.
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