I always think fish make peaceful pets - you can sit and watch them silently swim, and it’s said that watching a fish tank for as little as five minutes has an almost hypnotic effect, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress levels.

Bettas splendens

These are better known as Siamese Fighting fish, and while one may be hypnotic and mesmerising, they are tricky to keep and are not a ‘starter’ pet - and more than one can create a watery battlefield.

They originate from tropical regions of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia, living in rice paddies and canals, and in the wild, more than one male would be happy to share space, as rice paddies are large enough for each male to have his own territory. But they are known as fighting fish for a reason, as their inherent territory aggression rears its ugly head when ponds dry up and get smaller, causing Bettas to fight for their own space.

Selective breeding

These beautiful ornamental species have been bred to achieve many different colours, with ribbon-like tail and fin shapes, but were initially bred for aggression, and subjected to gambling matches akin to cockfighting. Although the species is renowned for its stunning appearance, wild Bettas are smaller with shorter fins, and are a dull grey, green, olive, or brown, but selective breeding has created their exotic cousins for the marketplace.

In the cruel pet trade, they would be fighting for their lives. Combat consists mainly of fin nipping and is accompanied by a display of extended gill covers, spread fins, and intensified colouring. Sadly, those that support Betta fighting could force these fish to live in minuscule cups, small bowls, and even flower vases. People who buy them ‘just because they look exotic’ as a decoration for a fish tank, don’t know enough—if anything—about proper Betta care, which is more complex and expensive than they realise.

One pet per aquarium

Only one male should be kept on its own in an aquarium, as males will fight. In the wild, one would retreat where territories overlap, but that isn't possible in an aquarium; instead, fighting continues until the death of one or both. Females are only a little more tolerant of each other, but if the tank becomes too crowded, even they may start showing territorial behaviours too, and even if you partition your tank, one seeing the other can promote aggression no matter what sex they are.

Pick a healthy one!

Indicators of poor health include fish that sink or rise to the surface; fish that have lumps, wounds, clamped fins, overly swollen bellies, swim in a lopsided fashion, trailing faeces, or don’t move from one corner of the aquarium. Healthy Bettas have vibrant colours and fins that flow freely.

Credits: PA;

Upkeep

Tank heating is essential, using a submersible aquarium heater, with the temperature maintained around 24/26 ℃. Normal room temperature tends not to be suitable due to possible fluctuate levels.

They require efficient filtration to maintain water quality and aeration - with a low flow, as this mimics their natural habitat. Some tanks are sold with small lamps above them, but the heat provided may be either insufficient or excessive, depending on the surrounding climate. A submersible aquarium heater is the only way to achieve and maintain a constant and appropriate temperature.

Good water quality is essential, and is the key to helping your fish remain healthy. Maintain regular testing of the water - after all, it is the environment they have to live in. Give live aquarium plants a try – not only do they help purify the water from your fish's waste, but they also provide a beautiful, natural environment for them.

Diet

Betta fish are carnivores, and would have a diet of insects and insect larvae in the wild. High protein Betta pellets sold in pet stores should be the mainstay of their diet, and any not eaten will degrade the water quality, so should be removed. Treats could include brine shrimp and bloodworms, but should not make up the bulk of your betta fish's diet.

Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan