Betta Fish

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can betta fish live with other fish?
  Male bettas should be kept alone as they are aggressive toward other males and sometimes females. Good tankmates include peaceful bottom dwellers like corydoras, small schooling fish like neon tetras, and snails. Always monitor for aggression when introducing tankmates.
• What size tank does a betta fish need?
  A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a single betta. Larger tanks (10+ gallons) provide more stable water conditions, more swimming space, and a healthier, happier fish.
• Do betta fish need a heater and filter?
  Yes. Bettas are tropical fish and need water temperatures between 76–82°F (24–28°C), so a heater is essential. A gentle filter (like a sponge filter) keeps water clean without creating strong currents that stress bettas.
• How long do betta fish live?
  With proper care, betta fish typically live 3–5 years. Some well-cared-for bettas have been known to live even longer. A clean tank, balanced diet, and stable water parameters are key to a long, healthy life.
• What do betta fish eat?
  Bettas are carnivores and thrive on a protein-rich diet. Feed them high-quality betta pellets as a staple, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia 2–3 times per week.
• How often should I feed my betta fish?
  Feed your betta once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in 2–3 minutes. Overfeeding leads to bloating and poor water quality. It's also healthy to fast your betta one day per week.
• Why is my betta fish making bubbles at the surface?
  Bubble nests are a sign of a happy, healthy male betta! Males build bubble nests instinctively as part of their breeding behavior. It means your betta is comfortable and content in his environment.
• Can betta fish recognize their owners?
  Yes! Bettas are surprisingly intelligent and can recognize their owners over time. Many bettas will swim to the front of the tank when their owner approaches and even learn to follow a finger along the glass.
• What water parameters do betta fish need?
  Bettas prefer a pH of 6.5–7.5, water temperature of 76–82°F (24–28°C), and low ammonia and nitrite levels (ideally 0 ppm). Regular water changes of 25–30% weekly help maintain a healthy environment.
• Do you offer a live arrival guarantee on betta fish?
  Yes! All our live betta fish are covered by our live arrival guarantee. We ship fast across the US with heat or cold packs as needed to ensure your betta arrives healthy, vibrant, and ready for their new home.