Betta (Siamese fighting fish) care guide

Betta vs Siamese fighting fish: same fish

Yes — a betta is a Siamese fighting fish. In aquarium searches you will see both terms used for the same species, Betta splendens.

Minimum tank size

Bettas need a real tank, not a bowl. A minimum of 5 gallons is widely recommended; 10 gallons gives more stability and room. They breathe air at the surface but still need clean, filtered water. Small containers and vases lead to stress, fin problems, and short lives.

Temperature and filtration

Bettas are tropical. Keep the water at 76–82 °F (24–28 °C) with a heater. Use a filter, but avoid strong current — long-finned bettas struggle in a torrent. A gentle filter or a baffled intake is ideal. Track your parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate) with a test kit or an app like App-aquatic so the cycle stays stable.

Tank mates: what works and what doesn’t

Never keep two male bettas together. They will fight. One male per tank (or in divided setups) is the rule. Female bettas can sometimes be kept in sororities in larger, well-planned tanks, but that’s advanced. With other species: peaceful, non-nippy fish that don’t look like bettas (no other long-finned or flashy males). Small schooling fish (e.g. neon tetras, harlequin rasboras) or bottom dwellers (e.g. corydoras, otos) can work in a 10+ gallon tank. Snails and shrimp are often tried; some bettas ignore them, others hunt them. Always have a backup plan if you add tank mates.

What to avoid

Bowls, unheated tanks, strong flow, fin-nippers (e.g. tiger barbs, some danios), and any fish that might be seen as rivals. Bettas also need hiding spots and resting places near the surface (e.g. broad leaves or a betta hammock) so they can rest without stress.

Feeding and health

Feed a good-quality betta pellet or flake in small amounts; a few pellets once or twice a day is enough. Overfeeding fouls the water. Watch for clamped fins, lethargy, or loss of colour — often signs of poor water quality or stress. If your betta stops eating, check water and stress first. Regular water changes and stable parameters are the best prevention.

Quick takeaways

• Minimum 5 gallons, ideally 10; heater and gentle filter required.
• Temperature 76–82 °F; avoid strong current.
• One male per tank; choose peaceful, non-nippy tank mates if you add any.
• No bowls, no second male betta, no fin-nippers.