Guest contributor: Peter Hartono
The life span of betta fish is highly dependent on several important factors that include genetics, environment, and diet. When given proper care, the average life span of bettas is about 3 years, however it is not unusual for a betta to live longer than 3 years. When conditions are right, your pet can live as long as 5-6 years.
Environment
Bettas are quite sensitive to environmental factors that may increase their susceptibility to disease or parasites. These factors include poor water quality, inappropriate housing, inadequate diet, or even accidents.
The need to recreate an ecosystem that mimics the natural habitat of betta fish can never be overemphasized. Although this can be quite tricky, this is not impossible. Regular testing of water parameters and cycling your tank will significantly increase your betta’s chances of survival.
Tank Size
The ideal size for betta is a 5-gallon tank. Although you can see hobbyists keeping bettas in smaller tanks, the smaller size makes it favorable to temperature fluctuations and higher ammonia concentration. Thus, a bigger tank means better filtration, better water quality, stable water temperatures, and a more comfortable environment for your betta.
Water Quality
Poor quality is the most important reason for bettas to get sick and die. If you’re keeping bettas in bowls which are less than 5 gallons, you need to make 50% water changes at least twice a week to preserve water quality. When removing water, make sure you get the dirtiest half by also removing leftover food or fish poop that has accumulated on the tank’s bottom or in the substrate.
If you have installed a quality tank filter, you don’t have to worry so much about doing water changes as often if the tank has no filter. This may not be an option in smaller tanks, thus you need to conduct twice a week water changes, at the minimum. Also, some bettas hate the water flow created by filters in their tank, thus conducting frequent water changes is your key to promoting your pet’s longevity.
Note on water change: Water change ought to be done once a week, regardless of tank size. And every time you do water change, it should only be around 10-25% tank size as going beyond 25% may cause stress to animal who lives in the tank.
Diet
Proper nutrition is essential for your betta’s health and well-being. The closest thing that you can give them to mimic their diet in the wild includes live and frozen foods. Just make sure that these foods are free from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites.
Bettas are voracious carnivores, although there are those that are super finicky eaters. Bettas thrive well when fed a variety of quality high protein food that may include frozen bloodworms, good quality pellets, and frozen brine shrimp. You can also give live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or glassworms.
A full betta meal includes only 3-4 bloodworms. Overfeeding may result in more health problems than underfeeding your bettas.
Genetics
Although you may have less control over your betta’s genetics, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that your pets have greater resistance to infection. Since fish breeders care for their reputation, they make it a point to give you only the best and healthiest of their stock.
About the Author:
Peter Hartono is the founder and CEO of Just Aquatic– a proud Australian company that offers homegrown aquatic plants and aquarium supplies carrying top of the line brands including API, biOrb and Exo Terra. To find out more of their exciting offers and promotions check out their Facebook Page and follow them on Twitter at @justaquatic.
Thank you Peter. I can always count on you for great articles on all things aquatic.
On a side note to my readers, I think these fish are absolutely stunning. What does break my heart though is going into a pet store and seeing them living in little tiny fish bowls. Some are bordering on drinking glasses. To me that's cruel. So for those interested in becoming "betta fish mommies", I really encourage you to give them a large enough environment to enjoy their little betta lives in.
I’ve raised Bettas for a long time, and been involved with the International Betta Congress and showing these lovely fish. The water changes are VERY important because of the delicacy of Betta fins, which can easily develop weakness from poor water, which is then attacked by bacteria or parasites, resulting a a fish with ragged fins, fading color and general bad health. Although most of mine live in 1-2 gallon containers, they are changed frequently and watched closely. They develop personalities and interact with you, which is always fun.
THank you so much Dyane for your advice! I am going to try being a “betta mommy” once I have my new place. 🙂
I love Betta fish and am so upset over losing my last one that I have not gotten another yet. I even taught him to jump up for blood worms. I feel sad, as you do Lisa, in those stupid little cups in the stores. TY for this post.
I agree Carol. How could anyone keep one in such a small container. I’d feel so sorry for the little fella.
Great post, with great tips!
I have never had a betta fish before, although i think they are beautiful! It was always gold fish because I had always heard Betta’s die faster and are harder to care for. Thanks for this post!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I’ve never had any betta fish before because I don’t know how to take care of it. You educated me about it and for that, I thank you. Just one question, are they really from Thailand like what the sales person told us?
Darryl
Thanks for all your advice, this page will be sure to extaned a few betta fishes lives! 🙂
Thanks guys this has been really eye-opening! Is it true that exercise can help prolong life expectancy in betas? I read that here http://www.top10zen.com/20-interesting-betta-fish-facts-to-better-know-your-betta-1417 but not sure what kind of exercise a fish can do besides maybe swimming a lot!