Commonly Asked Betta Questions

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, is a popular choice for many aquarium enthusiasts due to their vibrant colors and beautiful fins. While betta fish are relatively easy to care for, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that your fish thrive.

We covered most of their care requirements in our care guide for betta fish articles. But here we focused on the most frequent question we get asked about betta fish. We highly recommend reading our care guide in addition to the answer you seek here.

You can use the table below to jump to the question you need an answer to. 

Are Betta Fish Easy To Take Care Of?

Betta fish are relatively easy to take care of and can make great starter pets for those interested in getting their first fish. 

With the right tank set up, proper diet, and regular water changes, bettas will stay healthy and happy. 

It’s important to remember that bettas need plenty of space to swim around in – at least 5 gallons is recommended – as well as hiding spots to help them feel secure. 

To learn more about caring for these fish, please read our comprehensive care guide for betta fish.

Are Betta Fish Nocturnal?

No, betta fish are not nocturnal. They are actually most active during the day and prefer to sleep at night.

During the day, betta fish can be seen swimming around their tanks in search of food or exploring their environment for fun. They also enjoy interacting with their owners by flaring up when they come close and eagerly awaiting them to feed them. 

At night, however, betta fish will become much less active as they prepare to rest until sunrise. During this time they may remain still near the bottom of their tank or on their favorite plant leaf. 

Any lights used in your tank must be turned off during these resting periods.

Are Betta Fish Saltwater?

No, betta fish are not saltwater fish. They come from freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia and require a freshwater environment to thrive. 

While betta fish can tolerate some levels of salinity they are freshwater creatures and salt should not be added unless the fish is being treated for a disease.

Are Betta Fish Smart?

Betta fish are actually quite intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks. 

These include swimming through hoops, responding to taps on the side of their tank, and even recognizing their owners’ faces.

Betta fish also has an impressive memory which allows them to remember these behaviors over time and they will often repeat them in response to cues from their owners.

Betta fish learn quickly when trained with consistent rewards such as food or other stimuli. For example, if you tap your finger against the side of the tank at regular intervals when feeding your betta fish then it will eventually recognize this behavior and come up for food each time it is tapped on the glass. 

This shows that bettas not only understand basic cues but also have some level of problem-solving ability in order to figure out how best to get what they want from their environment.

Are Betta Fish Tropical?

Yes, betta fish are tropical fish. They require warm water temperatures to thrive and be healthy. 

Betta fish come from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries where the climate is typically much warmer than most places around the world. 

In their natural habitats, these fish live in shallow ponds or rice paddies with slow-moving waters that provide plenty of vegetation on which they can feed.

Are Bettas High Maintenance?

Bettas are not high-maintenance pets, but they do require some care to stay healthy and happy. 

Like all fish, they need a large tank with plenty of room to swim, as well as live plants or other decorations for entertainment. It is also important to provide them with the right diet consisting of pellets, frozen foods, or live insects. 

Please continue reading our comprehensive care guide for betta fish to fully understand the care requirements of these species.

Can A Betta Fish Live Without A Filter?

A betta fish can live without a filter, but it’s not necessarily the best option. 

Without a filter, you need to be vigilant about cleaning the tank and changing the water regularly. This can be difficult for busy people or those who don’t have much experience with aquariums. 

If you decide to go without a filter, there are some steps you should take to ensure that your betta is safe and happy in its new home. First off, make sure that the tank is big enough for your fish; 5 gallons is generally recommended. 

Secondly, perform regular water changes twice per week at least to keep the quality of the water high and prevent toxins from building up inside of it (this will also help keep algae growth down). 

Finally, pick up some aquatic plants such as Anubias or Java Moss which will help absorb excess nutrients from the water. These plants are hardy and easy to care for and can provide a better living space for your fish.

Here is a list of other plants we recommend: Top 10 Betta Fish Plants for Your Vase or Aquarium

Can A Betta Live With A Ghost Shrimp?

Yes, a betta can live with a ghost shrimp as long as the tank is large enough and they rarely interact. However, it is important to monitor the dynamics of the tank carefully since aggressive bettas can attack or injure your ghost shrimp. 

If you’re uncertain about keeping them together, there are plenty of other excellent tankmates that you could consider instead like Vampire shrimps, Bamboo Shrimps, Apple Snail, and more.

Can Betta Fish Live With Other Fish

Yes, betta fish can live with other fish, however, it is important to choose tankmates carefully. Betta fish are a territorial species and need plenty of space for themselves.

It is not recommended to keep them in tanks smaller than 10 gallons, as overcrowding can lead to stress and aggression from the betta. 

When introducing new tankmates, make sure there are plenty of hiding places available so each fish has its own space where they feel safe and secure. This will help reduce stress in all inhabitants of the aquarium.

Also monitor the behavior of your fish closely; if you notice signs of aggression such as biting, remove the fish immediately.

Can Bettas Live With Kuhli Loaches?

The short answer is yes, bettas can live with Kuhli Loaches. However, it is important to take extra precautions when housing these two species together as there may be some territoriality between them. 

To ensure a safe environment for all tank inhabitants, make sure you have enough space in your aquarium. Additionally, provide plenty of decorations and hiding spots for the loaches since they do not like bright lights or overcrowded conditions. 

Can Bettas Live With Zebra Danios?

Yes, but not recommended. Bettas and Zebrafish (Zebra Danio) can technically live together in the same tank if the tank setup is right. 

Bettas are known to be territorial and aggressive, so they may attack or stress out your zebra danios. Additionally, zebra danios could nip at the long fins of male bettas if they feel threatened. 

Do Betta Fish Get Lonely?

Betta fish are solitary creatures and don’t require the company of other species or even their own kind. 

A lonely betta is a myth; they actually prefer to be alone in order to protect their territory. That being said, bettas can get bored and stressed if they do not receive proper stimulation from an enriched environment.

A tank with plenty of hiding spots, plants, and decorations will make your betta feel secure and give them something interesting to explore throughout the day. 

If you want your betta to stay mentally stimulated, you can also try buying toys for them such as floating balls or interactive toys specifically designed for aquariums. These items provide mental stimulation while helping keep them physically active which leads to better overall health for your fish!

Do Betta Fish Play Dead?

Betta fish can sometimes play dead as a defensive mechanism or when they are just not in the mood and want to take a nap. 

Another reason why betta fish may play dead is stress and exhaustion. If your betta has been exposed to too much noise, light, movement, or even water parameter changes then it can pretend to be lifeless.

You should try reducing any environmental factors that could be causing your betta distress if you notice it playing dead more often than usual.

Some Bettas simply choose sleeping positions that make them look like they are playing dead. Therefore don’t worry if you see your Betta doing this – it might just need some extra rest after an active day!

Do Betta Fish Recognize Their Owners?

Yes, betta fish can recognize their owners. Bettas are highly intelligent creatures and can learn and remember things like faces. 

Over time, they can develop a strong bond with their owners as long as they’re given plenty of care and attention. Bettas recognize their owners by sight and also associate them with playtime or feeding times. 

When an owner walks past the betta’s tank, it will often become excited or start swimming around quickly in anticipation of food or playtime. Some bettas even start showing signs of affection towards their owners such as following them around their tank when an owner passes by. 

Do Bettas Eat Moss Balls?

No, bettas do not eat Moss Balls. They are carnivorous and require a diet of live or frozen food such as worms, larvae, brine shrimp, and bloodworms to stay healthy. 

However, there are many benefits to having moss balls in your betta’s tank. Moss balls can help keep the water clean by absorbing nutrients from decaying organic matter which helps reduce algae growth. 

They provide shelter for small aquatic creatures like copepods and daphnia which can be an additional food source for your betta fish. Additionally, these fluffy green spheres create an interesting visual environment that is pleasing to watch and explore for both you and your pet alike! Finally, because they release oxygen into the water during photosynthesis this makes them ideal companions in a naturalistic aquarium setup where plants would otherwise be difficult to grow due to low light levels or other environmental factors.

Do Bettas Like Light?

Bettas do like light, but it is important to provide them with the correct type and amount of light. Too much or too little can be detrimental to their health.

A good rule of thumb is to give bettas 8 – 12 hours of light per day. Artificial lights are typically preferred over direct sunlight because they’re more controlled and don’t contain the same level of UV rays that natural sunlight contains.

Keep in mind that if you have plants in the tank, they need different levels and spectrums of lighting. So research each species before making any decisions. When it comes to light, plants’ preference always comes first, and then the fish. 

Do Bettas Like Music?

Bettas can be sensitive to sound and music, so it is important to find the right type for your betta. Music that is too loud or has sudden changes in volume may stress out your fish. 

To determine if your betta likes a particular song or genre, keep an eye on its behavior when you play different pieces of music. If you notice increased activity in the tank such as flare-ups, swimming faster, or darting around quickly then this indicates that they don’t like the song! 

Do Bettas Need A Heater?

Yes, Bettas need a heater to remain healthy and active. Without one, their metabolism and appetite can suffer due to the cold water in tanks without heaters. 

Heaters help maintain the temperature and provide a stable environment for the fish. The heat will help the bettas to properly digest their food and have enough energy for swimming around the tank.

To learn more follow this link: Betta Fish: Care, Facts, Diet, Breeding, & More

How Can I Tell If My Betta Is Happy?

A happy betta should have a beautiful and vibrant appearance. Its body should be full and its colors brilliant, with the fins, flared open rather than clamped shut. 

An active lifestyle is also key – you may notice your betta swimming around eagerly with smooth movements. It’s important to keep an eye on its appetite too; a healthy fish will eat 1-2 small feedings daily. While one that isn’t eating could be stressed or ill.

Can Betta Fish Live Together?

The answer to this question depends largely on the size of the tank. Generally speaking, it is best not to house male betta fish together as they can be very territorial and aggressive towards each other. 

However, if you have a large enough tank (at least 20 gallons or more), multiple female bettas can live quite peacefully together. We keep our bettas in our 60-gallon display tank with other fish and they all live in harmony. 

Keep in mind that each fish will have a different personality and environmental factors can change their behaviors. So always take precautions when adding tank mates.

Why Betta Fish Blow Bubbles?

Betta fish blowing bubbles is a fascinating behavior to observe but this behavior is a mating ritual. 

Male Bettas build a bubble nest as part of their breeding ritual and is a sign that they are ready to accept females for breeding. They keep the eggs inside these bubbles until they hatch.

To learn more about the breeding behaviors of betta fish you can follow this link: Betta Fish: Care, Facts, Diet, Breeding, & More

Why Betta Fish Fight?

Betta fish are known as Siamese fighting fish and are extremely territorial species. Betta fish display aggressive behavior when their territories overlap with another male’s territory. 

In the wild, this helps them ensure access to food sources as well as potential mates; however, in captivity, it can lead to aggression between two or more betta fish if they come into contact with each other. 

When two male bettas meet, they will flare up their fins which signals an impending battle for dominance over who controls the space around them. The winner is usually determined by size and strength—the larger, stronger betta will often win these fights. 

To prevent fighting among your pet betta fish, you should always keep them separated either through the use of separate tanks or tank dividers. They should also not see each other as they will still try to fight. 

Why Does My Betta Fish Bite Me?

Bettas are naturally curious creatures, so, likely, your fish is simply trying to investigate the new object in its tank. It may also be seeking out food if it has been trained to accept food from your hand. 

Bettas can become quite attached to their owners, and some have even been known to follow a finger around the tank! 

Another possible reason why your betta may bite you is because of territorial aggression. Bettas are fiercely protective of their space and will often view anything entering as a threat that needs defending against. 

There’s also a chance that your betta just doesn’t like being touched or handled by humans. If this were the case then no amount of training would make them more comfortable with human contact.

Will A Betta Fish Kill A Turtle?

No, a betta fish can not kill a turtle. However, the turtle, even if it’s small, might kill and eat the betta fish. 

Even if your betta doesn’t get eaten, it will be stressed and stay in hiding all the time. Therefore, keeping a betta and a turtle in the same tank is not recommended. 

If you are looking for other suitable tank mates for your betta fish that won’t pose any threat to them or vice versa then consider checking this guide: Betta Fish: Care, Facts, Diet, Breeding, & More

Will Betta Fish Eat Snails?

Yes, betta fish can eat snails. Snails are a tasty treat for these colorful freshwater fish that come in many varieties and sizes. 

As long as the snail is small enough to fit into your betta’s mouth, it will gladly accept it as a meal. The most common types of snails that are suitable to feed betta fish are the Ramshorn Snails or Bladder Snails.

When feeding your pet bettas with snails, be sure not to overfeed them as these snails can reproduce at a fast rate and will soon take over the tank. 

Will Bettas Eat Neon Tetras?

Betta and Neon Tetras can live together in a peaceful aquarium if the environment is suitable for both species. 

To ensure harmony between bettas and neon tetras, it is important to create an environment that meets their individual needs. The tank should be large enough so both species have plenty of swimming space. 

There should be lots of plants or decorations they can hide behind when feeling stressed or threatened.

How often should I clean my betta fish tank?

The frequency of tank cleanings will depend on the size of your tank, the number of fish you have, and the type of filtration system you are using. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to perform a 25% water change every week and a thorough cleaning of the tank and all equipment (such as the heater and filter) every month.

Can betta fish be kept with plants?

Yes, betta fish can be kept with plants. In fact, plants can provide a natural source of oxygen for the fish, as well as serve as a hiding place and add visual appeal to the tank.

It’s important to choose plants that are appropriate for the size of your tank and the lighting conditions, as some plants may require special care or may be toxic to fish.

Here are the Top 10 Betta Fish Plants for Your Vase or Aquarium