Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, can make wonderful pets due to their striking appearance and interactive behavior. With proper care, betta fish have been known to live up to five years or more. If you’re interested in helping your betta fish live a long and healthy life, follow these tips.

1. Ensure the right aquarium setup

Betta fish thrive in a spacious and comfortable environment. Providing an appropriate aquarium size of at least 5 gallons (20 liters) is the first step to ensuring a happy home for your pet. In addition to the tank size, ensure that the water in the tank is clean and free of chlorine or other chemicals. It’s essential to use a water conditioner before adding water to the tank.

2. Install a heater and filter

Betta fish are tropical creatures and do well in warmer temperatures between 76°F (24°C) and 82°F (28°C). Installing an aquarium heater with an adjustable temperature setting will help maintain a stable, warm environment for your betta fish.

Adding a filter helps keep the water clean, oxygenated, and free of harmful substances such as ammonia and nitrites. Choose a filter with gentle flow as bettas don’t appreciate strong currents.

3. Maintain water quality

In addition to using a filter, it’s essential to regularly change roughly 25% of the tank’s water once every 1-2 weeks depending on the tank size to remove waste products and ensure overall water quality. Test the water parameters like pH levels, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Betta fish thrive best in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels around 6.5-7.

4. Provide nutritious food

Feeding your betta high-quality food is crucial for maintaining its health and vitality throughout its lifespan. Betta fish are carnivorous by nature and should be fed high-quality betta pellets comprising a major part of their diet. Occasionally supplementing with protein-rich foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia is also highly recommended.

5. Create a stimulating environment

Adding plants, hiding spots, and decorations to your betta’s aquarium not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also help provide a stimulating environment for your fish. Ensure that all decorations are aquarium-safe and have no sharp edges that might injure your fish.

6. Monitor your betta’s health

Regularly observe your betta fish for any signs of illness or injury, such as swollen or discolored gills, bloating, lethargy, or difficulty swimming. Early detection and treatment of potential problems can greatly contribute to the longevity of your betta fish.

7. Minimize stress

Betta fish can become stressed when their environment changes suddenly or if they feel threatened by other tankmates. To minimize stress, introduce any new items to the tank slowly and avoid aggressive species sharing the same space with bettas.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your betta fish enjoys a long, healthy life full of vibrant color and playful activity. And who knows? Your betta might just live longer than you ever thought possible!