You may want a betta fish as a pet or already have one. They are the perfect fish for tiny tanks or small spaces. Check out these interesting facts about betta fish for kids.
Betta Fish Facts
- Scientific Name: Betta splendens
- Betta Fish are also known as a Japanese Fighting Fish or labyrinth fish.
- A Betta Fish is considered an aggressive fish.
- Betta Fish live 3 to 5 years.
Characteristics of Betta Fish
An adult Betta fish is about 2 inches long when it is an adult. They are known for their beautiful bright colors and double tail. The veil tail betta fish has a long and flowing tail. It is one of the characteristics that make them so beautiful!
Natural Habitat
Betta Fish were originally found in waters and streams in Southeast Asia. They live in fresh water and can be found in rice paddies (a flooded field where rice is grown), drainage ditches, and shallow water. Wild Bettas have short fins and shorter tails than betta fish that you’d see in a fish tank. Wild Betta Fish are usually brownish green. They only change to bright colors if they are feeling threatened to try to scare away predators. The predators they have to look out for are birds, bigger fish, cats, and lizards. They eat insects or insect eggs (like mosquito larvae) that they find on the surface of the water.
Proper Care
People like to own Betta Fish as pets because they have the unique ability to live in tiny containers. Now they are available in pet stores in the United States and easy to get.
Betta Fish like places to hide and explore in their space. They do best in warm water (room temperature). They need the right water temperature and quality, but they are able to survive if they experience poor water quality for a short time. It is best to give them regular water changes.
Male fish need to live alone (not with other Betta fish) because they have an aggressive nature. If they live with other types of fish in a community tank, it is better if they aren’t brightly colored so they don’t mistake it for a Betta fish. If they try to attach another fish it will nibble its fins. Neon Tetras are a fish that can live with betta fish successfully. If you add them to your tank, add around 10 so they can swim as a school of fish.
Female betta fish can live in small groups together. These small groups are called sororities.
Pet Betta Fish should be fed Betta Fish food because it has the specific nutrients they need. They can also occasionally be given brine shrimp or bloodworms. It is important not to feed your small fish too much because it is not good for it.
Betta Fish Babies
When it is time for the female bettas to lay eggs, the male betta will make a bubble nest at the water’s surface. Can you believe that? A nest made out of bubbles! The female releases the eggs. The male fertilizes them. Then, he brings them to the top of the tank and puts them in the bubble nest with his mouth. For the next day or two, the male fish will protect the nest. He will put eggs back that might drop out or chase away other fish that might try to eat the eggs.
The eggs will hatch after about three days. Newly hatched betta fish are called fry. The mom and dad do not take care of the young fish. They stay in the bubble nest for a few days and eat the yolk from the egg that they hatched from. They will find their own food as they leave the nest and grow.
Fun Facts
- We now know that male Betta Fish can be aggressive to other fish, but even holding up a picture of another Betta Fish up to the tank will cause the fish to attack. Wow!
- The biggest threat to wild Betta Fish is pollution and their habitats being destroyed.
- Single betta fish can live in small bowls. They don’t need much space to live.
- There are more than 70 types of betta fish.
- Betta Fish like to live near live plants. Check out Aquarium Source for the Betta’s favorites.