Betta Collection

Betta Fish — Complete Care Guide & Buy Online

The Betta fish (Betta splendens), also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, is a freshwater labyrinth fish native to the shallow rice paddies, ponds, and slow-moving streams of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It requires a minimum 5-gallon (19-litre) tank, water temperature of 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and a low-flow filter — Bettas are adapted to still or slow-moving water and strong currents cause chronic stress. Males are solitary and highly territorial; only one male Betta per tank. Betta splendens is the most popular ornamental freshwater fish globally due to its extreme colour variety, flowing finnage, and minimal space requirements — making it the definitive choice for a small fish tank for bedroom or office use.

Betta Fish Types

Selective breeding has produced dozens of tail and colour variants of Betta splendens. The most common types available from FishyKart:

• Halfmoon Betta: The most sought-after tail type — caudal fin spans 180° forming a perfect half-circle when fully flared. Requires particular care to prevent fin tearing; avoid tanks with sharp décor or strong flow.
• Crowntail Betta: Distinctive spiky, crown-like tail formed by extended fin rays with reduced webbing. Dramatic appearance; slightly more robust fins than Halfmoon. One of the most widely kept Betta types in India.
• Plakat Betta: Short-finned variety closest to wild-type B. splendens. More active swimmer than long-finned types; higher aggression level; preferred by experienced hobbyists and Betta fighters (note: fish fighting is illegal in India and many countries).
• Giant Betta: A selectively bred strain reaching 12–14 cm — nearly double the standard 6–7 cm. Requires a larger tank (30+ litres minimum); same care parameters as standard Betta. Rare and commands a premium price.
• Double Tail Betta: Two distinct tail lobes; typically shorter body. Prone to swim bladder issues — feed carefully and avoid overfeeding.
• Dumbo / Elephant Ear Betta: Characterised by oversized pectoral fins resembling ears. Striking appearance; requires tank with minimal current to avoid pectoral fin damage.

Tank Requirements

The single most common cause of Betta death in India is keeping them in bowls or containers under 5 litres — too small to maintain stable water temperature and chemistry. Correct setup is straightforward:

• Minimum tank size: 19 litres (5 US gallons) for one male Betta — non-negotiable for long-term health
• Temperature: 24–28 °C; use a 25W adjustable heater — Bettas are tropical fish and will become lethargic and disease-prone below 22 °C
• pH: 6.5–7.5; hardness 5–20 dGH — tolerant of a wide range
• Filtration: Sponge filter or baffled HOB rated for gentle flow; strong current tears fins and causes chronic stress
• Lid: Essential — Bettas are strong jumpers and will exit an open tank
• Plants: Java Fern, Anubias, floating plants (Water Sprite, Frogbit) — provide hiding spots and reduce stress; Bettas rest on broad leaves near the surface
• Lighting: 8 hours daily on a timer; standard LED sufficient

Feeding

Bettas are carnivores — in the wild they consume insects, insect larvae, and small crustaceans at the water surface. A plant-based or generic tropical flake diet will cause malnutrition over time.

• Staple: High-protein Betta-specific pellets (Hikari Betta Bio-Gold, Omega One Betta) — 2–4 pellets once or twice daily
• Supplements (3×/week): Frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Fast 1 day per week: Prevents constipation and bloat — the most common digestive issues in Bettas
• Avoid: Flake food as staple (inadequate protein), overfeeding (bloat), tubifex worms (disease risk)

Betta Tank Mates

Male Bettas cannot be kept with other male Bettas under any circumstances. However, a correctly sized community tank (40+ litres) can house one male Betta alongside compatible species:

• Safe tank mates: Corydoras catfish (Corydoras sp.), Kuhli Loach (Pangio kuhlii), Nerite Snails, Mystery Snails, Ghost Shrimp (may be eaten occasionally), Ember Tetra, Harlequin Rasbora
• Avoid: Guppies (flowing tails trigger aggression), Tiger Barbs (fin nippers), other Bettas, large aggressive fish
• Female Betta sorority: 5+ females can coexist in a 80-litre+ heavily planted tank — never fewer than 5, as one female will be bullied to death
• Note: Individual Betta temperament varies — monitor closely for the first 2 weeks after introducing any tank mate

Why Buy from FishyKart?

FishyKart stocks Halfmoon, Crowntail, Plakat, Dumbo, and Giant Betta variants sourced from specialist breeders in Thailand and India. Every Betta is individually housed, quarantined, and health-checked before dispatch. We ship in insulated bags with a heating element for cold-season orders and provide a live arrival guarantee across India. Male and female Bettas available; breeding pairs on request.