So, you are a Betta fish owner, or are soon to be one. In my experience learning how to care for Betta fish, they have been one of the most exciting and rewarding pets to own. As colorful, beautiful, and interactive as they may be, they will not last long without the proper care being given to them. So whether you are a veteran or a brand-new Betta fish owner this guide serves to clear up misconceptions about these pets and give you solid advice so that your pet can live as long (and happily) as possible. Additionally, I have provided you with several excellent care resources at the bottom of the article.

First of all, let's talk about keeping a healthy home in order for your pet.

Tank Size/Requirements: When it comes to tank size there are a lot of rumors going around that doom poor, innocent fish to miserable lives in tiny vases and cubes. These rumors stem from the fact that Betta fish live in the rice paddies of eastern Asia. People assume this means that these pets are used to living in puddles, when in fact the rice paddies are often over a foot deep and can span for miles.

When choosing a home for your pet, I recommend opting for the largest tank that is feasible for your living space and budget. I keep my single male Betta in a 10 gallon tank, for example.

Also, always make sure that your tank is filtered and heated to the proper temperature. Whatever size tank you buy, make sure that your heater and filter are powerful enough for it.

How About Food?: Just like everything else involved in learning how to care for Betta fish, you've got a lot of options when it comes to food. You'll notice that some are live foods such as blood worms and brine shrimp. Live foods make great snacks, but are not recommended for a daily diet because they lack many fortifying vitamins and nutrients that a formulated pellet or flake would have. Speaking of flakes and pellets, which one should you choose? I always opt for pellets, even though both of these foods generally offer the same nutritional value. This is because pellets are more uniform in size, and so it is easier to monitor how much you're feeding your pet than if you were to use flakes.

Signs Of A Sick Betta Fish

Because Betta fish are generally fragile creatures, you want to know what to look out for in case your fish should fall ill. The most common warning signs of a sick fish are...

Discoloration

Lethargy/Extreme laziness

A distended stomach/side bulge

Lack of interest in food

Streaks around the gills (generally red or brown)

White spots on the fins or body

Constant gasping for air at the surface

Most deadly Betta mistakes occur without the owner even knowing what's going on. While learning how to care for Betta fish can, it doesn't need to be, you just have to get a hold of the right information. If you're willing to learn about caring for Betta fish properly, then I'm willing to let you in on the resources I've used to raise, maintain, and even breed healthy Bettas.