How Long Can Betta Fish Live in a Bowl?
- Aug 27, 2023
- Anshika Mishra
- 442 0 0
Pet keepers often keep Betta in a small container or fish bowls. One of the most common questions amongst Betta lovers is, are they able to live naturally in a fish bowl?
In their natural habitat or well-maintained aquariums, Betta fish can live for three to five years. Their life expectancy will drastically decrease if you keep them in a fish bowl. Betta fish live as long as they are cared for and are kept in the right conditions.
Let's look at the real benefits and problems of raising betta fish in small containers.
There are a lot of aquarists who do not recommend keeping Betta fish in a fish bowl. Betta fish need at least 3-5 gallons of tank space, plants, a filter, a heater, and proper water conditions to stay healthy. Because of their natural ability, they will still be able to live in environments that are difficult to survive.
If the water in the tank is not healthy, a fish's life span will be drastically reduced, and it will die sooner than its natural lifespan. People often comment about the Betta breeders keeping their fish in small containers. But they recycle 100% of their water at least every two days, feed only fresh food, and maintain proper water quality and temperatures, which isn't possible for pet owners.
Additionally, breeders keep Betta fish only from birth to 5 months before selling them. Every Betta keeper should know these basic tips on betta care to keep your fish happy and healthy:
- Make sure your fish tank is at least 3-5 gallons in size
- Betta fish enjoy water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a temperature of 76 to 81 degrees
- Water in your tank should be treated with a dechlorinating water condition whenever you add water to it
- Bettas do not need filtered tanks, but they will keep the water cleaner, reducing the amount of time you have to spend cleaning your tank.
- In choosing a Betta's tank, choose at least one or two hideouts so your fish have somewhere to hide away and relax.
- Betta fishes have delicate fins, so pick smooth decorations and soft plants that won't catch on their fins and tails.
- Feed your Betta once or twice a day at about the same time
- Keep a tank heater in case the temperature drops below 76 degrees
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