Betta Fish
A betta (Betta splendens) is a tropical labyrinth fish that needs a heated, filtered tank of at least 5 gallons, water at 78–80°F and pH near 7, and a meat-based diet. Males are territorial and kept alone or with a few careful tankmates.
Betta at a glance
- Scientific name
- Betta splendens
- Adult size
- ~2.5″
- Temperature
- 76–82°F
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Minimum tank
- 5 gal
- Temperament
- aggressive
- Social
- can be kept singly
- Reference
- Wikipedia
The betta (Betta splendens), or Siamese fighting fish, is a tropical labyrinth fish from the slow waters of Southeast Asia. It breathes air at the surface, which is why it survives in tiny containers in stores. Surviving is not thriving: a betta needs a heated, filtered tank to live a full life.
Tank and water
A betta needs at least 5 gallons, heated to 78–80°F, with a gentle filter. Across 517 real betta tanks we measured, the median is 10 gallons and 92% are 5 gallons or larger. Keep pH near neutral (6.5–7.5); stable water matters more than a perfect number. See the full data in what size tank does a betta need.
Diet
Bettas are carnivores. A quality betta pellet is the staple, with frozen or live bloodworms and brine shrimp for variety. Feed a small amount once or twice a day, and skip a day a week. They do not eat flake meant for community fish well, and they cannot live off plant roots.
Temperament and tankmates
A male betta is territorial. It is kept alone, or with a few calm, non-fin-nipping tankmates in 10 gallons or more — bottom and mid dwellers that ignore it, never fin-nippers or bright long-finned fish. The compatible and incompatible species (from our compatibility model) are listed below. Plan a specific tank in what fish can live with bettas.
Lifespan and health
A well-kept betta lives 3 to 5 years. Most early deaths trace to cold or unstable water (no heater), an uncycled tank, or overfeeding. A heater, a filter, a cycled tank, and a varied diet cover the basics.
Varieties
Bettas are sold in many fin and color forms: veiltail, halfmoon, crowntail, and plakat (short-finned), among others. The care is the same across forms; long-finned types are more prone to fin damage from sharp decor or strong flow.
Compatible tankmates for Betta
Generated from our compatibility model — temperament, fin-nipping, temperature overlap and predation. Run your exact plan in the calculator below.
Good companions:Neon tetra, Ember tetra, Cardinal tetra, Harlequin rasbora, Endler's livebearer, Platy, Molly, Corydoras catfish, Pygmy corydoras, Otocinclus, Kuhli loach, Nerite snail, Mystery snail.
With care:Cherry shrimp — workable in a planted tank, but watch them.
Avoid:Guppy, Zebra danio, Dwarf gourami, Tiger barb, Serpae tetra, Angelfish, Goldfish, and other bettas.
Plan a Betta tank
Start with the centerpiece and check stocking, filtration and compatible tankmates — live.
Planning a Betta tank. We start with your betta and filter the list to compatible tankmates — untick to see every species (incompatible ones get flagged).
Stocking — under 85% comfortable · 85–100% full · over 100% overstocked
Show the math
FAQ
- How long do betta fish live?
- Most bettas live 3 to 5 years with a heated, filtered, cycled tank and a varied diet. Poor conditions (a bowl, no heater) cut that short.
- What do betta fish eat?
- Bettas are carnivores. Feed a betta-specific pellet as the staple, plus frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. They cannot live on plant roots or 'betta plants' alone.
- Do betta fish need a heater and filter?
- Yes, both. Bettas are tropical and need a stable 78–80°F, which means a heater, and a gentle filter to keep ammonia down. A bowl with neither is not adequate.
- Can betta fish live together?
- No. Two males fight, often to the death. A male is kept alone or with a few peaceful, non-fin-nipping tankmates in 10 gallons or more.