Betas
General Information
The Scientific name is Betta Splendens and the common name is Betta or Siamese fighting fish. Bettas live 2 to 3 years and grow in size from 2.5 to 3 inches. Bettas need a Ph level of 6.8 to 7.4. Betas are one of the most colorful fish, not only in looks, but in personality also. One can watch a beta for hours in the right type of set up. There has been controversy over placing betas in a cup of water, bowls and vases. The main reasons for the controversy are the water quality is often not kept up and the betas prefer warm water. Without a water heater, the water temperature will most likely be between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature betas like is between 76 and 86 degrees (24 -30 Celsius).
Housing your Beta
Clean water is very important to eliminate some of the diseases that can occur. Have the water temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Bettas really don’t need to socialize with other betas, male or female, so have only one betta per aquarium. You can sometimes have more than one if your aquarium is large enough (55 gallons or larger). Bettas love shallow water. In their natural environment, bettas are found in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and parts of South China. One thing these areas have in common is warm shallow ponds and rice paddies. With the Under Water Island model, bettas gave an area of shallow water that is only 1 to 2 inches deep and they absolutely love it.
Feeding Bettas or Siamese fighting fish
There are different pre packages food, such as Beta bits, brine shrimp, and tubiflex worms. However, bettas in their natural habitats would prefer to eat live insects. Betta’ mouths are slightly turned upward, making it easy for them to grab insects from the surface of the water. When small crickets are placed in the Under Water Islands, crickets that venture too close to the waters edge, will get grabbed by bettas. Bettas really do give great entertainment as they enjoy the shallow waters of the Under Water Island and eat live crickets as though they were in the tropics of Thailand.
Bettas are a Labyrinth Fish
A labyrinth fish is a type of fish that has the ability to breathe in water and also breathe atmospheric oxygen out of water. In fact, if the betta doesn’t have access to air it will suffocate. The labyrinth is the name of the organ that gives the betta this ability. It is located between the head and the gill. Their need to breathe air explains why bettas love living in shallow water. In aquariums, bettas have never really had a chance to dwell in shallow waters until now. They have that opportunity with the Under Water Island. Other common labyrinth fish include Paradise fish, dwarf gouramis, flame dwarf gouramis, kissing fish and all species of gouramis.
