Betta Care Guide
Betta splendens · Easy care · 5 gallon minimum
The classic centerpiece fish — vivid, personable, and labyrinth-breathing. Males must be kept alone.
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How big does a betta get?
A betta (Betta splendens) reaches about 2.8 inches as an adult. Plan tank size and tank mates around the adult size, not the small fish you buy at the store.
Tank size & setup
Give a betta a minimum of 5 gallons, with water at 76–82°F and a pH of 6.5–7.5. As a easy-care, carnivore species, a stable, cycled tank with the right diet keeps them healthiest.
Good tank mates
Pair a betta with peaceful species that share its temperature and pH range. Compatible options include:
- Neon Tetra — 1.5", 10g min
- Guppy — 2.0", 10g min
- Molly — 4.0", 20g min
- Platy — 2.5", 10g min
- Zebra Danio — 2.0", 10g min
About the betta
The Siamese fighting fish, commonly known as the Siamese fighter, or locally as the betta, is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is one of 76 species of the genus Betta, but the only one eponymously called "betta", owing to its global popularity as a pet; Betta splendens are among the most popular aquarium fish in the world, due to their diverse and colorful morphology and relatively low maintenance.
Recommended gear for bettas
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