FERGUS – Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are hard to ignore with their vivid colours and flowing fins. However, despite being one of the most recognizable fish, they are also one of the most misunderstood.
With myths surrounding tank size and aggression being passed down as fact, it’s no wonder most first-time betta owners are misinformed. Bettacare101.com looks to tackle the following longstanding myths with facts.
Don’t need much space
According to Bettacare101.com, one of the most widely believed myths is that betta fish don’t need lots of space. Many have seen the wall of betta cups in the pet store, but this is meant to be a temporary situation until the fish is sold and moves on to a bigger and better home.
The reason they’re kept in cups is not because it’s the best environment for them, but because you can’t keep male bettas together. And it is much harder for pet stores to maintain a dozen tanks with a single fish than a dozen cups.
Bettas should live in tanks no smaller than five gallons and require lots of aquatic plants and vegetation as they enjoy hiding and using plants as underwater hammocks.
Live in puddles in the wild
Bettas do not live in puddles in the wild. Betta fish originated from Thailand but can be found in nearby countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
And while their natural habitat is shallower than most aquarium species, it is a far cry from a puddle.
Wild bettas live in shallow, freshwater areas such as rice paddies, stagnant ponds, marshes and slow-moving streams with rich ecosystems, lots of territory and thick vegetation.
Bettas must live alone
While it’s true that you can’t house two male bettas together, a single betta in a community tank can prove to be a great arrangement.
The trick with community tanks and betta fish is making sure you handle new introductions to the tank correctly. It is recommended that fish owners introduce the betta fish after the rest of the fish, as this will reduce the likelihood of the betta fish claiming the space as its own and seeing the other fish as a threat.
It is also important to ensure all of your finned friends have enough space to hide and run away as need be as well as to avoid species with long, flowing fins (especially colorful ones) as the betta may mistake them for rivals
Females are boring colours
While they might not have the long, flowing fins of their male counterparts, female bettas can be just as vibrant and attention grabbing. Females exhibit vibrant colors such as reds, pinks, blues, greens, copper tones, and brown and black marbled patterns.
Females are not aggressive
A common misconception about female bettas is that they are less aggressive, so it’s easier to keep them together and with other species of fish. This is sometimes true, but they’re just as capable of being vicious with each other and other fish, although females can co-habitate with one another.
According to Bettacare101.com, just like male bettas in community tanks, bigger is better; make sure there are enough hiding places and escape routes for those who need a quick getaway.
If housing female bettas together, it may also be beneficial to introduce all the fish at the same time if you can.
For more information on Betta fish or for tips on how to properly care for your finned friend, visit Bettacare101.com.
