Aquarists often believe of bettas as beginner fish , and while they are n’t the most unmanageable species to keep , their care necessary are often misunderstood . Bettas are not " easy " to keep , and you still have to give them a sizable environment to live in and a estimable dieting to help them resist the odds and survive well past their average lifespan . Your betta ’s lifetime depends on many factors , including their tank size of it , water conditions , dieting , and genetic science . Give your betta the long and happiest biography possible by following these steer .
How Long Do Betta Fish Live?
Most betta fish live to between 2 and 5 years . However , Betta splendens , the metal money most commonly sold as bettas in aquarium stores , are hard lineage - multiply ( meaning that closely related fish are bred together ) to produce all the cool color and fin mixture people love . While this produces some stunningly beautiful fish , it is n’t good for the overall lifespan or wellness of the species .
When you purchase a betta from a preferent entrepot , they will usually be around six months one-time , which mean you could enjoy another one - and - a - half to four - and - a - half or more years together . storey of bettas make an telling 15 years of age are sometimes report in Pisces the Fishes meeting place , but nobody has verified that information . you could give your betta the best chance at along and healthy lifeby care for them in good order .
Factors That Affect Betta Lifespan
How long a captive betta will live depends on several constituent . You do have dominance over many of these , including their dieting and environment , but some are relate to their genetics .
Environment
A betta ’s habitat is one of the most important piece of their care . Many multitude believe bettas can populate happily in a small fish bowl , but this is n’t the case . Keeping your betta in a small space willshorten their life . These fish must be kept in a tankful that is at least 5 gallons in loudness or orotund . A 10 - gallon cooler is optimum . Other ways you’re able to extend your betta ’s life sentence through their environment include the following :
right farming is immense when it comes to helping bettas contact a ripe old age . Do not keep your betta in a fish roll or vase and expect them to subsist a longsighted lifespan . A large , institute aquarium , with lots of places to hide out , few tank partner , and logical feeding and precaution , will produce the best results . Just do n’t leave any mirrors in or near the tank all the clock time , or your male betta will become distressed . He guess his reflection is a rival betta , which is why he ’s displaying and swim around sharply .
Bonus Tip : Enrichmentis important for your betta ’s genial and strong-arm wellness . you could find betta toy online or at your local favorite store , including sack , floating mirrors , moss balls , and more . Just check that the toy is plan for bettas before give it to your fishy admirer .
Diet
Betta fish are omnivores , so they have to run through a plant- and animal - establish dieting to boom . Without the correct nutrient , your betta could develop diseasesthat will shorten their life . Feed them a diet phrase especially for betta fish .
You could also take giving them the occasional bloodworm or thaw brine shrimp as a merriment and tasty fashion to give them the nutrient they take . Always buy alive food from a reputable pet store to reduce the risk of introducing harmful parasites into your betta ’s storage tank . Frozen food supplement option are increasingly popular , because they do not post parasites , and improve the overall health of aquarium Pisces the Fishes .
Genetics
A betta ’s genetic science flirt a heavy role in their overall health . Inbreeding can perpetuate genetic diseases or make fish that are less intrepid than other line . Some of the betta breeds with shorter life are the feather tail , rose tail , andmarbled bettadue to their selective breeding .
grease one’s palms your betta from a reputable breeder or preferent fund and take a tightlipped look at the fish before bring them home . ensure they have clear eye , bright scales , and no snub , scrapes , or lumps on their body . If you focus on how hefty they wait , you should be able to help ensure you pick up a fish with the potential difference to live a long , healthy liveliness .
Veil tail coat , which are the variety most commonly found at dearie stores , are think to be thehealthiest and longest - livedbetta variety .
Set Your Betta Up for Success
Betta fish are one of the most low - upkeep pets out there , but that does n’t mean they can boom with no guardianship at all . With a broad , sportsmanlike armored combat vehicle , a nutritious diet , and enrichment activity , your pretty betta can hold out for many happy years .
