Betta Fish Diseases and Care Tips

This short book is intended to all Betta lovers, but still not covering
all topics in details, especially cure’s for diseases. For the ones who
want to know more or need to for taking better care of their fish on
sidebar is a link of highly recommended e-book with very good
reviews.
Jody Milanovich
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Betta Colors
Betta Colors Betta Tails
Single Colors Betta Senses
Types of Bettas
 Skin has no pigmentation
 The fins are translucent Common Diseases
Cellophane  The organs are flesh-colored/give the
body its color Tank Recommendations
Ideal Water Conditions

 Lacks all pigmentation, including the
eyes, which appear to be red Choosing a Healthy Betta
Albino
 Very rare
Breeding Betta Fish
Putting Bettas in Vases

 Pure white when young
 Develop varying degrees of reds as they
White Opaque Choosing the Right Plants
age
Setting up Your Tank
 Referred to as �non-red� Beta Fish Food Guide

 Also carries one of the three iridescent
Yellow
colors
 Yellow pastels
Apricot or Peach
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 Varies in hue
Orange  Dark tangerine
 Intense red
Red  Normal red, with some black pigments
 Metallic blue Click here to download now

Steel Blue  One of the three iridescent colors
Royal Blue  Another of the three iridescent colors

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Betta Colors
Betta Tails
 Darker, with a purple tint
Betta Senses
 Darker head with cornflower blue body Types of Bettas

Cornflower Blue
Common Diseases
Lavender, Purple,  Very Rare
Violet Tank Recommendations
 Another of the three iridescent colors Ideal Water Conditions
Green  Least fixed single color

Choosing a Healthy Betta
Breeding Betta Fish

 Blue/green
Turquoise
 Resulting from two different genes Choosing the Right Plants

Black Melano or Fertile (aka Lace)
Beta Fish Food Guide

Bi Colors
 Flesh-colored body
 Fins are usually red
Cambodian
 Can also be blue and black
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 Body is dark, black or dark blue

Chocolate  Fins are yellow
 Different Variations
 White body
Pastel
 Fins are green or blue
Click here to download now

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Betta Colors
Patterned Betta Tails
Betta Senses
 One half of the fin is one color and the other half
Butterfly is another. Types of Bettas
Common Diseases
 Body and fins have blotches of color over a light
Marble colored background Tank Recommendations
 Face is flesh-colored
Piebald Choosing a Healthy Betta
 Body can be any color
Breeding Betta Fish
Multi Colored Putting Bettas in Vases
This is the type that most pet stores carry. There is no predicting the Choosing the Right Plants
colors of their offspring.
Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
Betta Tails Betta Tails
Another thing that distinguishes different Betta splendens from each Betta Senses
other is the type of tails that they have. They are listed below.
Types of Bettas
Comb Grooves at the end, not as pronounced as the Crown

Common Diseases
Crown Distinguished spiky grooves at the end Tank Recommendations
Delta Elegant, very long finnage, rounded Ideal Water Conditions

Double Two lobes of equal size with appearance of being split
Breeding Betta Fish

Fuse Extremely rare fusion of the caudal, dorsal & anal fins
Halfmoon Very rare rounded tail that is stretched 180 degrees
Choosing the Right Plants
Heart Partially fused twin caudal fin
Round or Small to medium in size with pronounced rays that
Fan lead up to the end of the tail
Short Finnage that is small
Single Common one-lobed
Veil Most common Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
Betta Senses Betta Tails
Vision Betta Senses
A Betta has monocular vision, which means that it can see in two Types of Bettas
directions at the same time. Overall, the Betta's eyesight is somewhat
poor. To detect vibrations and get an overall feel for its surrounding, Common Diseases
Bettas use a "lateral line," which runs down their sides.

Tank Recommendations
Hearing
The anatomy of the Betta's ear is fairly simple, consisting of a single

channel. Essentially, a Betta hears vibrations that occur around it and
travel through water. The swim bladder also plays a role in hearing Breeding Betta Fish
by interacting with sensory parts within the ear.
Taste
Taste buds are located in the mouth and, believe or not, in the fins!
Smell
Yes, a Betta can smell! Bettas smell through their nostrils, although
the process of "smelling" is separate from the Betta's respiratory
system.
The Labyrinth Organ
This is a special organ that processes oxygen from the air. It is highly Recommended Reading
valuable as Bettas evolved in waters with low oxygen content. It is
located within the head just behind the gills. Read more about
the Labyrinth organ here.

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Betta Colors
Betta Tails
Betta Senses
Betta Biology
Types of Bettas
Common Diseases
Breeding Betta Fish
Betta Fish Picture Putting Bettas in Vases
Both male and female Bettas basically have the same anatomy. Both Choosing the Right Plants
have a cylindrical form, with the anterior part of the body tapering to
a laterally compressed shape. The pelvic fins are quite long and Setting up Your Tank
extended, particularly in the male. The dorsal fin inserts behind the
midpoint of the back, and varies in length from short to moderate. In
domesticated male Betta splendors, this fin can be exaggerated into
a huge sail. Near the pectoral fin insertion, the anal fin is long and
when splayed, it billows out like a large fan, in the same way as the
caudal fin. When at rest, both fins hang down, giving the appearance
of long folded drapes. As a Betta ages, his tail and fins grow longer
and heavier, causing him to become sluggish. He will become Recommended Reading
rejuvenated following what is referred to as 'blowing his tail.' He
loses it only to have it grow back with some discoloration and
unevenness. However, the loss of the heavy tail rejuvenates him.
The beard, which is the membrane under the gill plate cover, is
displayed by both male and female when flaring, although the
female's is considerably smaller. Without having the ability to blink,
the Betta's eyes protrude. Their mouths are particularly interesting.
With rows of tiny pointed teeth and powerful jaws, they are perfectly Click here to download now
designed and positioned to both devour and to blow bubbles.
Proportionately, Bettas have bigger and strong jaws than the great
white shark! What is further intriguing about them is the way the
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Betta Colors
males gently carry the eggs in their mouths without damaging them Betta Tails
on their sharp teeth.
Betta Senses
The internal organs of the Betta splendens, which include the brain,
heart, stomach, liver and spleen, are mostly located between the Types of Bettas
head and the beginning of the anal fin. The lower half of its anatomy
Common Diseases
is flesh, spine and the swim bladder.
Between these anatomical features and specific behavioral
characteristics, today's Bettas can unquestionably be classified as
members of the suborder Anabantoidei.
Breeding Betta Fish
Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
Betta Types - Physical Appearances Betta Tails
Betta Senses
Round tail, small fins
Banded Goldish color
Types of Bettas
Banded body, greenish splotches
Common Diseases
Rounded tail and small fins
Green border around anal and dorsal fins Tank Recommendations
Brunei
Body Color - gold, pink and/or white
Green pectoral fins Ideal Water Conditions
Round tail Choosing a Healthy Betta
Short fins
Breeding Betta Fish
Female - orange with dark spots and white
Edith's
spots
Male - brighter orange with dark spots and light
spots. Light spots are greenish/blue Choosing the Right Plants
Round tail and large fins Setting up Your Tank

Emerald Bright green body with black web design
Pectoral fins are reddish Beta Fish Food Guide
Round tail and short fins

Foershi's Female - pink and orange with dark spots
Male - orange with greenish spots on body
Round tail and small fins (sometimes pointed Recommended Reading

Mouthbrooding tails)
Colors vary greatly
Round tail, small fins

Gold in color with 3 stripes running horizontally
Painted
down body.
Green border around fins
Round tail, long pectoral fins

Dark body with bluish marks
Peaceful
Edge of tail fin is red
Bluish/Green stripes on tail
Pearly Heart shaped tail

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Betta Colors
Betta Tails
Short fins
Female - bronze with dark spots
Betta Senses
Male - lighter bronze, green on fins, dark stripe
from eyes to fins Types of Bettas
Small, round tail Common Diseases

Sarawak
Short Fins
Most common pet Betta
Caudal fin has different shapes (round, heart, Ideal Water Conditions
Siamese Fighting
split, etc.) and is long
Fish Choosing a Healthy Betta
The anal fin can be short or very long
Color ranges greatly
Breeding Betta Fish
Heart shaped tail and short fins

Pink
Slender
Female - dark spots on tail and fins Choosing the Right Plants
Male - green highlights on body and fins
Pink and orange
Tessy's 3 stripes, dark Beta Fish Food Guide
Greenish fins
Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
Betta Diseases Betta Tails
Below is a list of common Betta fish diseases and the symptoms of Betta Senses
each. It's important to note that all of the diseases listed below are
caused primarily by inadequate tank conditions. If you maintain a Types of Bettas
health tank, then your Betta is unlikely to get sick.
Common Diseases
Name Frequency Symptoms Tank Recommendations
Bloated stomach, won't eat (due to Ideal Water Conditions

Constipation Common
overfeeding)
Dropsy
Uncommon Bloated body and eyes Breeding Betta Fish
More on Dropsy
Fluffy, white, cotton-like growths
Fungus Common Choosing the Right Plants
on body and/or fins.

Fish Lice Uncommon Round parasites attached to skin
Fin Rot
Common Torn or ragged fins
More on Fin Rot
Scratching itself on aquarium

objects Recommended Reading
Gill Parasites Uncommon
Strange swimming patterns
Breathing problems
Small white spots on body and/or

Ich Common
fins
Patchy skin or cotton-like growths

Mouth Fungus Uncommon
on mouth

Parasites
Uncommon Worms are visible through skin
(intestinal)
Pop Eye Uncommon Protruding eye(s)

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Betta Tails
Swim Bladder Swimming sideways or in some
Uncommon
Disease other abnormal way
Betta Senses
no energy, won't eat, red (blood) Types of Bettas

Septicimia Uncommon
streaks on fin and body
Common Diseases
Grayish slime on body and/or fins
Slime Disease Common
Scratching on aquarium objects Tank Recommendations
Colors have dulled Ideal Water Conditions

Pop eye (sometimes)
Tuberculosis Uncommon Choosing a Healthy Betta
Constricted Fins
Transferable to humans
Breeding Betta Fish
Gold or grayish color on body or

Velvet Common Putting Bettas in Vases
fins.
Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
What is Dropsy in fish? Betta Tails
Dropsy in the Betta fish - or in any other fish for that matter - is not Betta Senses
really a disease in itself but a symptom of a specific bacterial
infection. The main symptom of dropsy in fish is a swollen or bloated Types of Bettas
condition with the scales standing out like in pine cones. This is a
Common Diseases
serious infection and unless appropriate treatment is administered,
the afflicted Betta may well die.
What causes Dropsy in Bettas and other fish?

The bacteria (mostly gram negative) lodge itself in the tissues of the
fish body thus affecting the kidneys and causing the retention of fluid
and water in the body. It is this fluid retention that causes the Betta to Breeding Betta Fish
bloat. Another cause of bacterial infection and Dropsy is the
condition of the water in your aquarium. It has the same effects on Putting Bettas in Vases
the kidney and subsequent swelling of the body.
Care & Treatment of Dropsy in Bettas & other fish
Dropsy is a very serious fish disease symptom and must be treated
with urgency. This and other diseases that afflict fresh or salt water Beta Fish Food Guide
fish in your aquarium can, if neglected, kill the other species in the
tank too. You may end up having to completely replace your
aquarium! Periodic health checks for Dropsy as well as other serious
fish diseases will always help in keeping your pets healthy and
swimming for years of pleasure!
Recommended Reading
It is imperative to consult a fish disease expert to find the cause and
to obtain the appropriate treatment for Dropsy in your Betta. On a
lighter note, do not search for Fish Doctor on the internet as you may
end up with information about "Doctor Fish", (the fish species)
instead.
The steps given below will help you in dealing with a case of Dropsy
in your fish tank:
1. Immediately change at least a quarter of the water in the Click here to download now
aquarium. The water must be treated as mentioned in the step
that follows and this water must not be re-used anywhere later
on.
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2. Place the diseased fish into a quarantine tank. You need to Betta Tails
treat the rest of the 'unaffected' fish too - just in case.
3. Administer a prescribed antibiotic to arrest growth of the Betta Senses
infection. Suitable medicines are Maracyn, Kanacyn, Neomycin,
Types of Bettas
or tetracycline drugs and anti fungicides for treating the tank
water etc.
Common Diseases
4. A medicated bath must be given to the fish at least two times a
day with methylene blue, salt, Epsom salt, and electrolyte
balancing salts to ensure removal of fluids from the fish and to
keep electrolytes in balance. The proportion of medicines in Ideal Water Conditions
this bath is clearly mentioned on the labels and one can still
confirm the procedure either with the pet shop or the vast Choosing a Healthy Betta
library base on the Internet.
Breeding Betta Fish
In conclusion, react at the very first signs of Dropsy in your Betta.
Proper care and treatment of the infection will revive your Betta and Putting Bettas in Vases
other affected fish, allowing you to restore your aquarium to its

original state. If you have just started keeping Betta fish it would be
advisable to study their traits and health precautions so that you
immediately recognize signs of upsets when these occur.
Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
All about fin rot and how it affects Betta fish and other fish Betta Tails
Fin Rot is one of the most common, yet most preventable aquarium Betta Senses
fish diseases. It often occurs at the same time as other diseases and is
brought about by a bacterial infection. Types of Bettas
Symptoms Common Diseases
One of the earliest symptoms of Fin Rot is that the fins start Tank Recommendations
appearing ragged. As the disease progresses, the fins become

increasingly shorter. Whiteness can be observed at the edges. Cotton
Wool, which is a secondary disease may start developing and will
manifest as a fuzzy growth on the fins. If untreated, the base of the
fins will start becoming red and inflamed, with bloody patches Breeding Betta Fish
resulting.
Causes
Fin Rot is most often caused when the Betta are distressed due to
poor water quality, overfeeding, expired food, overcrowding and Setting up Your Tank
rough handling. If the water is not changed regularly, the leftover
food particles and feces will decompose and contaminate the water. If Beta Fish Food Guide
there are too many Betta in the tank or if too much food is placed in
the tank, even regular water changes may not prevent the disease.
The resultant stress on the Betta, lower their immunity thus making
them very susceptible to attack from the bacteria present in their
water. Only in very rare instances will Betta develop Fin Rot in spite of
an impeccably maintained tank. Recommended Reading
Treatment
Once Fin Rot sets in, a complete change of water and a careful
examination of the conditions within the aquarium will be required.
Take everything out of the aquarium and wash all the decorations and
pebbles with hot water. Do not use soap. Follow instructions for
changing the water in the aquarium.
Fin Rot is a bacterial infection and medication is available to cure it. Click here to download now
Some medications that have been successfully used to cure fin rot
include Jungle Fungus Eliminator and Tetracycline.Fin Rot is
contagious. Fish that appear uncontaminated should be separated
from the fish that appear contaminated. It is advisable to place the
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apparently uncontaminated Betta in a separate quarantine tank until Betta Tails

you are very sure that they are healthy. To prevent the disease from
being transferred to your other healthy Betta, do not share nets Betta Senses
between the tanks. Also ensure that everything used in handling
Types of Bettas
either the sick or the quarantined Betta are washed properly in hot
water before being used for any other fish.
Common Diseases
Prevention
Water & Habitat: The water in the tank should be changed every one Ideal Water Conditions
to two weeks with all decorations, pebbles etc. thoroughly cleaned. It
is also important to check the ph and the temperature of the water on Choosing a Healthy Betta
a regular basis. All fish, particularly those with long flowing fins such
as the Betta, have a tendency to contract Fin Rot when the Breeding Betta Fish
temperature of the water is either too low or too warm for sustained
periods of time. Putting Bettas in Vases

Food: Check that the food you are feeding your fish is fresh and do
not overfeed. It is far better to give your fish smaller quantities of
high quality fresh food. Feeding your fish too much food at one time
means there will be excess left over food in the water, which in turn Beta Fish Food Guide
will increase the concentration of bacteria in the water.
Handling: Be gentle and cautious when handling Betta. They are easily
stressed if they are carelessly handled.
Keeping the habitat controlled, clean and stress free is the best way
to ensure Betta's continued health and the Betta owner's continued Recommended Reading
enjoyment of this beautiful, showy fish.

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Velvet and how it affects fish Betta Tails
Velvet is one of the most common diseases affecting pet fish and is Betta Senses
brought on by one of the several species of the parasite Oodinium,
and can affect every Betta in the tank before the unsuspecting owner Types of Bettas
realizes what is going on. Velvet attacks all kinds of fish, even
Common Diseases
newborns. Goldfish, killifish, anabantoids, zebrafish, and danios are
especially susceptible to velvet.
Oodinium provokes fine white pustules on the fish. These pustules

are so fine that they go undetected until the Betta dies. Oodinium is
present in most home tanks, but only becomes a problem when the Choosing a Healthy Betta
Betta fish are subjected to poor water quality, variations in water
temperature or being moved from one tank to another. Breeding Betta Fish
Symptoms Putting Bettas in Vases
1. The Betta scratches itself against hard objects Choosing the Right Plants
2. Lethargy
3. No appetite and rapid weight loss
4. Difficulty in breathing
5. Fins do not move freely
6. A rusty-like aspect on skin develops
7. Skin peels off (in advanced stages)
In its early stages, the Betta rubs against hard objects in order to
shake off the parasites. As the disease spreads, the fish becomes all
but inactive, fins are almost motionless, appetite is lost and the fish Recommended Reading
ultimately loses weight. Another important symptom is hard
breathing, which causes hurried gilling.
Perhaps the most obvious symptom is the onset of a velvet-like layer

on the skin that looks like gold or rust-like dust. The layer may be
difficult to detect at first, but can be readily seen by casting a
flashlight beam on the fish in a dark environment. The layer is most
often evident on the fins and gills.
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Prevention Betta Tails
1. Place new Betta in quarantine for two weeks Betta Senses

2. Monitor water quality
3. Make sure the fish have a nutritionally balanced diet Types of Bettas
Velvet usually only occurs when there is a poor tank environment and Common Diseases
therefore becomes extremely infectious. Placing new Betta in
quarantine for two weeks will significantly diminish the chances of
fouling a healthy tank. Any fish that seems to be infected must be
removed at once and kept in another tank to avoid the spread of the
parasite. Choosing a Healthy Betta
Treatment Breeding Betta Fish
1. Keep the water temperature a bit higher than usual Putting Bettas in Vases
2. Keep the lights dim for several days
3. Add the proper aquarium salt Choosing the Right Plants
4. Add copper sulphate to the tank for about ten days
5. Avoid carbon filtration during treatment process Setting up Your Tank
Since Velvet is extremely contagious (and often in advanced stages Beta Fish Food Guide
before being diagnosed), it is vital to implement treatment measures
as soon as possible.
Copper sulphate is the best type of treatment. It should be used

according to the manufacturer's specifications for the number of days
indicated (usually ten) to make sure that Velvet is completely Recommended Reading
eradicated. Using Atabrine (Quinacrine hydrochloride) is another way
to treat Velvet.
Since Oodinium depends on light, dimming the tank lights helps in

the eradication process. Bringing the water temperature to 82
degrees F will also speed the eradication process. Adding salt to the
water will relieve the labored breathing caused by the deterioration of
gill tissue. Like any treatment, carbon must be removed from the
filter, as it will destroy the drugs in the water.
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Betta Tanks Betta Tails
There are glass, plastic and acrylic tanks. I highly recommend acrylic Betta Senses
because they lighter than glass tanks and just as aesthetically
appealing. Glass tanks are heavy and plastic tanks scratch easily and Types of Bettas
can become dull and clouded over time.

Common Diseases
Acrylic tanks also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here a few
examples:
Breeding Betta Fish
PetSmart.com
Recommended Reading
A helpful tip - your Betta tank should be no less than 10 gallons!
Anything smaller is simply not adequate. Smaller sizes reduce water
stability within the tank.
Below is an excellent package I found at PetSmart. It's a bit

expensive, but if you are serious about creating a wonderful
environment for your fish and intend to pursue the hobby of fish
keeping, then it's a very good investment.

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Betta Colors
Betta Tails
Betta Senses
Types of Bettas
Common Diseases
Ideal Water Conditions for Betta Splendens Breeding Betta Fish
Water in a fish tank needs to be changed regularly. Although proper Putting Bettas in Vases
filtration keeps the tank water clean and pure, it does not take away
trace elements such as phosphates that accumulate in the water.
Fresh water also replenishes the potassium, zinc, calcium and iron
that had been depleted from the existing water in the tank.
When to change the water in a tank:
Under normal conditions the water in the tank should be changed

either once a week or once every two weeks. Do not change all the
water at one time - this is likely to cause more harm than good.
Replacing 10% of the water weekly or 15 to 20% every two weeks is
just right. Smaller amounts of water changed frequently are much Recommended Reading
better than large amounts of water changed rarely. The reason for
this is that large amounts of fresh water change the chemistry of the
existing water, resulting in additional stress on the fish.
How to change the water in a tank:
Vacuum the gravel to remove all leftover food that will decay and
cause pollutants like phosphates and ammonia. Pick up every
decoration and rock, and vacuum under them, being extra careful not Click here to download now
to suck up any fish that are hiding there. If your filter system is under
the gravel, then you should vacuum more frequently to prevent the
formation of nitrates. Now would also be a good time to scrape off
the excessive algae from the glass and also from the various
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decorations. It is important to use an absolutely clean, non-abrasive Betta Tails

and soap-free brush or sponge that is kept exclusively for the
purpose of cleaning the tank. Betta Senses
Bearing in mind how much water you intend changing, measure out Types of Bettas
the proportionate amount of water conditioner you will require and
Common Diseases
keep it handy. Unplug all electrically connected heaters, filters and
lights. As you siphon the water off, collect it in a measuring bucket
or container. Once you've siphoned off the required volume of water,
replace all the rocks and decorations that were taken out for Ideal Water Conditions
cleaning.
Breeding Betta Fish

How to refill the tank:
You would be well advised to pre-fill a container of water at least a
day or two prior to the water change in order to allow for the chlorine Setting up Your Tank
to dissipate. If you have not done this and will be using water
straight from the faucet, first allow the water to run for a few Beta Fish Food Guide
minutes to decrease the concentration of copper from the plumbing.
Bring the water temperature as close as possible to the ideal tank
water temperature; place a heater in the water if necessary. Add all
the conditioners to the water and gently pour the water into the tank.
Do not forget to maintain a log, and record all details for future
reference. Recommended Reading
Temperature of water in the tank:
Ideally the temperature of the water in the tank should be maintained

at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish can tolerate moderate temperature
changes without any adverse effects. But the key word here is
'moderate'. It is important that dramatic, rapid changes in the
temperature of the water should be avoided. The temperature should
also not be consistently too low or too high. Fish adapt well to slow
temperature changes as long as these do not place them outside
their comfort zone.
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Tips for Choosing a Healthy Betta at The Store Betta Tails
It is important to know what one should look for when buying a Betta Betta Senses
from the pet store. The fish should be a healthy specimen from the
outset. If you end up buying an unhealthy Betta, it is an almost Types of Bettas
certain recipe for disaster. You could end up spending many

Common Diseases
distressing hours trying to improve its looks, color and general health
to no avail. These fragile fish do not recover easily from
malnourishment or maltreatment and you would be heart-broken if it
died in your care. Ideal Water Conditions
It is always a good starting point to make sure that the Betta fish was Choosing a Healthy Betta
well cared-for during its stay at the pet store. In fact, make sure that
it is actually alive while you are in the store. Sometimes Betta fish lie Breeding Betta Fish
dead in plastic bags or glass bowls, something that could go
completely unnoticed. Often, the Betta fish in the stores are already Putting Bettas in Vases
sick because of the less-than-healthy conditions in which they may
have been kept. By going to an obscure pet store, you could be doing
yourself a disservice. Stick to those that enjoy a good reputation.
Check out the surrounding environment: Make sure that the jars, in
which the fish are kept, are clean. The water should appear fresh and
clear with no traces of leftover food. There should be no bad odors
emanating from the jars. These malodors could possibly be from
dead fish. Next, a thorough check-up of the fish needs to be
undertaken.
Check the body: The body should be free from any kind of lumps or Recommended Reading
bumps. The scales are flat and smooth in a healthy Betta, with
missing and loose scales signifying a history of trauma and illness.
White patches on the body could be indicative of a fungus infection. If
its stomach is swollen, consider this a clear warning that the Betta is
certainly not well.
Check the Fins and Gills: There should be no discolorations, tears or

holes when the Betta's fins are extended. This may be very difficult to
properly check, because it is almost impossible for the Betta to Click here to download now
extend its fins in the tiny bag or container that it is usually kept in at
a pet store. In fact, Betta fins get broken or torn because of the very
fact that they are kept for extended periods of time in containers way
too small for them. When these showy fish swim around, their fins
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brush against the walls of the containers and tend to break. The gills Betta Tails
should look smooth and flat with no sign of peeling. There should be
absolutely no lumps or discoloration at all. Betta Senses
Check the Color: Healthy Betta fish are brightly colored with no Types of Bettas
apparent discoloration. Unhealthy Betta fish have a pale appearance

Common Diseases
with some discoloration seen along their body or face.
Check the eyes: Healthy Betta fish have clear eyes. Do not buy Betta
fish whose eyes are either sunken or bulging.
Check the Behavior: Betta fish are usually active and float upright,
unless they are sleeping. Bring your hand close to the Betta fish to
make sure that it is alert. Don't end up startling it though jabbing a Breeding Betta Fish
finger into the bag in which it is stored, or by tapping against its
bowl. Rather move your hand gently toward the Betta and gauge its Putting Bettas in Vases
reaction. Be subtle and gentle so as not to traumatize the fish. A
healthy Betta is very alert and will always react in one way or the other Choosing the Right Plants
to the movement it detects, though it may not always respond by
flaring.
Recommended Reading

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Breeding Your Betta Fish Betta Tails
When you decide to breed your Betta Fish, the first step is to make Betta Senses
sure you are ready. It will take time, money, space for around fifty
jars to separate males, a secure pond with no other fish and a good Types of Bettas
level of experience caring for Bettas already.

Common Diseases
Presuming the answer is yes; the next step is to obtain a female. This
can be difficult, as few stores sell them. Once you have both, don't
leave them in the same tank. Start with cheap Bettas, to avoid wasting
lots of money. Later on, after you become an expert, you can try to
breed your own masterpieces. Look for fish with some energy to Choosing a Healthy Betta
increase the chances of spawning. The chosen fish should be
between seven and eighteen months old, and a spare pair just in case Breeding Betta Fish
is also a wise precaution.
Prepare the mating tank, ten gallons is about right. Don't add much
decorations or gravel, but some large leafed plants will help the Choosing the Right Plants
female hide from the male. The temperature should be around eighty
degrees and the depth about six inches until the fry, or baby fish,
begin swimming. Normally, you wouldn't worry about air filtration
with Bettas, but the fry will require it. However, they cannot handle a
powerful filter. The old-fashioned box type, powered by an air pump
is best, and the carbon filter that came with the pump is not
acceptable. Instead, use floss or sponges. This is to avoid bad
reactions between the carbon and an anti-fungal treatment. It is wise
to let the pump operate through a complete cycle before fish are
exposed to it to allow bacteria to grow. Recommended Reading
Begin feeding the fish high quality food. One breeder recommends
the following sequence: BettaMin, Freeze Dried Blood Worms, some
live or frozen brine shrimp, then a few live Black Worms. Others
swear by tubifex worms and other combinations. Do not overfeed, as
this will still force you to clean the tank and replace the water more
often. Change twenty percent of the water in each tank each day to
help prevent this and encourage the fish to get ready to breed. The
male should be in the breeding tank, and should be able to see the Click here to download now
female in her tank. He should begin to build a bubble nest.
With the high quality food, the female should begin to plump up as
eggs are produced. With lighter colored breeds you can sometimes
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Betta Colors
see the eggs, and the fish should produce horizontal stripes when Betta Tails
ready. If that isn't showing, look near the anal fin for a white gravid
tube. If this is showing, she is ready. Betta Senses
Now comes the key moment. Plan for at least an hour when you can Types of Bettas
be present to supervise. Put the female in the water with the male.
Common Diseases
There can be some rough treatment, including some mutual fin
nipping or even worse behavior. If it gets too rough, remove the
female and plan to wait a few days to let her recover, but if you don't
give them a chance, there won't ever be any fry. If all goes well, they Ideal Water Conditions
will conduct what is called an embrace, and she will produce eggs
under the bubble nest. He will fertilize them and begin to care for the Choosing a Healthy Betta
eggs. The female should be removed now, lest she become fish food.
Breeding Betta Fish
For the next two days, the male will keep the eggs cleaned and in the
bubble nest, recovering any that fall. Then come the fry. For about Putting Bettas in Vases
thirty-six hours, they'll be unable to move out of the tank. Around
two days after hatching, the first fry will begin to swim without help. Choosing the Right Plants
At this point, remove the male fish lest the fry become fish food. A
day after the fry hatch, they need their first feeding, and baby brine
shrimp, daphnia, microworms, or liquid fry food for egg layers are
good choices. They'll need feeding up to five times a day.
Now comes the hard part. Many experienced breeders say this can
only be done in a suitable pond. The temperature must be above at
least 68 and preferably 70 degrees. There must be no fish to eat the
fry, and a variety of tiny aquatic creatures to eat.
Recommended Reading
After about ten days, they can take a little powdered food. This is a
small amount of very finely crushed flake food. They should be about
a quarter of an inch long. At about four weeks, they should be around
a half inch long, and should begin to show sexual dimorphism, so
you can tell the males from the females. Separate the males from
each other before fighting begins.

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Betta Colors
Keeping Bettas in Vases Betta Tails
"Betta in a Vase", is a large vase containing a peace lily plant, a Betta Betta Senses
fish and some marbles either at the bottom or in a tray on top of the
vase. It looks as beautiful as it sounds and is judged to be very much Types of Bettas
the 'in thing' at the moment. Everyone who considers themselves

Common Diseases
trendy or stylish, are clamoring to lay their hands on one or maybe
more of these eye catching "Betta in a Vase" ornaments to grace their
homes and offices.
Although "Betta in a Vase" may look fabulous on your coffee table or
striking in a cluster of three on your dining room table, the truth is Choosing a Healthy Betta
that it is both unhealthy and inhumane to the suffering Betta so
proudly displayed in the vase. Many of the people, who buy these Breeding Betta Fish
living knick-knacks, are reassured by the sellers that the Betta is
comfortable and content with being in the vase. But are they? Let's Putting Bettas in Vases
take a look at life in a vase from the Betta's point of view.

For started, they need more room. Bettas require a lot of space within
which to move around. They need to stretch out their fins, so to
speak and get sufficient exercise. A vase, however large, limits the
range of their movements and results in them damaging their fins.
Bettas need more Oxygen than the vase can provide. It is true that
Betta can obtain oxygen either from fresh water or via special
respiratory gland directly from the atmosphere if oxygen levels in the
water are low. The issue is that for the Betta to use this special
respiratory gland, they need to have access to the atmosphere. In the Recommended Reading
unnatural vase habitat the Betta finds itself, the tray of marbles or the
water lily will block its access to the surface and leave the Betta
gasping for oxygen when the supply in the water is diminished. A
further risk is that the peace lily will eventually die, thus releasing
toxins into the water. These toxins have an adverse and sometimes
fatal effect on the Betta in the vase.
They need food and care. Many people are led into believing that a
Betta in a vase requires neither. This is not true at all. In its natural Click here to download now
habitat, the Betta's diet consists of insects and insect larvae. This
fish's digestive tract is designed for meats. As with any other Betta
kept as pets, the Betta in a vase needs to be fed regularly with freeze-
dried bloodworms or fish to keep ensuring continued health and
Menu:
Betta Colors
well-being. Starved and desperate, the Betta in a vase will eventually Betta Tails
resort to eating the lily roots when nothing else is offered for it to
feed on. Betta Senses
This is neither natural nor healthy for the Betta. If the Betta is Types of Bettas
deprived of its necessary nutrients, it could fall prey to any disease.
Common Diseases
Even if the Betta is fed, the vase should be dealt with as one would
with a fish tank. The leftover food still needs to be siphoned off so
that the water in the vase does not get contaminated and replenished
with fresh water containing water conditioners. If this is not done, it Ideal Water Conditions
will result in the death of the Betta. The vase cannot be viewed in the
same light as that of natural waters where scavengers break down Choosing a Healthy Betta
wastes and clean the water. The Betta vase needs to be cleaned at
least once a week! Breeding Betta Fish
Betta needs proper water temperature, one of the many factors that Putting Bettas in Vases
have been completely overlooked by those who invented this fad.
Bettas thrive in hot, moist climates and in waters that are maintained Choosing the Right Plants
at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They may survive at lower temperatures

but get very lethargic and stop eating. Unless you live in a warm
climate, it is almost impossible to regulate the temperature of the
water in a vase.
Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
Plants for Your Beta Fish Betta Tails
Betta fish have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to Betta Senses
breathe in air above the water line and not just through the water.
Because of this ability to breath above the waterline, Betta fish are Types of Bettas
often found in their natural habitat swimming in the shallower water

Common Diseases
between water plants, rising to the water's surface to feed on larvae
and plankton.
Breeding Betta Fish
What's in the bowl? Beta Fish Food Guide
When introducing your Betta into a fish tank or fish bowl, it would be
a great idea to create an environment similar to its natural habitat. In
addition to the fact that a recreated natural habitat would be beautiful
to look at, it will also help to keep the Betta happy and healthy. All it
takes is a bit of planning and then adding appropriate plants and Recommended Reading
ornaments into the Betta's artificial habitat.
Choosing the plants!
When recreating the Betta's habitat you can choose between using
plastic ornamental plants and real plants, which help generate oxygen
in the water for the Betta's usage. Here are a few tips on what plants
you can safely in your aquarium for both you and your Betta fish's
enjoyment.
Plastic : Plastic plants offer many benefits. Whilst they do not produce
oxygen for the water like natural plants do, they also do not create
dirt. In addition, plastic plants do not decay anywhere near as quickly
as natural plants. Plastic plants are easier to come by and a greater
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Betta Colors
variety can be had. If you decide to use plastic plants for your Betta's Betta Tails
tank, make sure that you clean these every time you change the
water. Betta Senses
Natural: One of the more common ornamental objects used in Betta Types of Bettas
fish tanks, is natural water plants. There are many different kinds of
water plants to choose from. Some types are more suitable for this Common Diseases
breed of aquatic creatures than others. If you do decide to follow the

natural plant route, it may be good start to ensure that these are
actually aquatic and not poisonous to the Betta at all.
The roots of natural aquatic plants usually grow downward into the
water. It is a good idea to keep an eye on the roots. If these start
cramping the Betta's movement due to its size or takes on a soggy Breeding Betta Fish
brown look, you would be well advised to cut them back. If the plant
looks as though it could be dying, it would be best to remove it from Putting Bettas in Vases
the tank altogether.
One of the possible choices for your Betta is a plant called Chinese
evergreen. Other plants you can use include philodendrons and the Setting up Your Tank
ever popular peace water lilies. Philodendrons are ornamental plants

that are usually found in swamps or river banks. There are quite a
few varieties of philodendron to choose from. Another safe plant that
may be used for your Betta fish is the photos plant. The photos plant
is usually found in terrariums and fish aquariums and is ideal for
indoor setups because it does not require a lot of light. The water
sprites and java fern plants are also other acceptable plants you can
use in your Betta fish's recreated habitat. Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
Essential guidelines to setting up your Betta's tank or bowl Betta Tails
The most important thing to remember if you are setting up a Betta's Betta Senses
tank is that they need a lot of space and clean water. The
recommended minimum amount of water per Betta is one gallon. This Types of Bettas
effectively means that the aquarium should be large enough to hold

Common Diseases
one gallon of water per Betta you wish to introduce. Betta can be fun
fish if they have enough space to frolic around in. "Betta in a Vase," a
recent fad, which involves placing one Betta in a large vase along with
a peace lily and some marbles, should be considered inhumane and Ideal Water Conditions
avoided as such. Although beautiful to look at, this fad amounts to
nothing but torture and the likelihood of death for the Betta Choosing a Healthy Betta
concerned.
Breeding Betta Fish
Betta fish can jump and will jump when the opportunity presents
itself. It is a good idea to place a cover (with sufficient air holes in it) Putting Bettas in Vases
over the Betta tank to prevent the Betta from jumping right out. Betta
do not only obtain oxygen from the water, but also from the
atmosphere. For this reason, it is important that they have access to
fresh air and oxygen from outside the tank. This will keep your Betta
healthy and happy. No doubt he (or she) will jump with joy at the Beta Fish Food Guide
thought of fresh air without running the risk of falling from the tank.
Make sure that the filtration system in your tank does not pose a
threat to the safety of the Betta. It should be set up in such a way that
your Betta cannot get its fins stuck at the point of air intake. Also
ensure that the setting of the filtration system is kept at the lowest
Recommended Reading
level. Betta fish get stressed when there is rapid movement in the
water. The low-set filter will not cause any current within the tank.
Betta fish thrive in waters that are about 75 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

You should have a thermometer and keep a constant check of the
water to ensure that it is consistently maintained within the optimum
temperature range. Rapid, drastic temperature changes stress them
out and make them prone to fin rot and other diseases.
There are many types of thermometers available: Either floating or Click here to download now
submersible glass thermometers that are alcohol based or liquid
crystal strips that are a stick-on type could be used. The advantage of
having a liquid crystal stick-on thermometer is that it is placed
outside the tank. The greatest drawback is that is offers a lower
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Betta Colors
degree of accuracy. Submersible or floating thermometers are very Betta Tails

precise and accurate, and are placed inside the water in the tank. The
only drawback is that it must be cleaned as you would any other tank Betta Senses
decoration or ornament.
Types of Bettas
Another way of checking the temperature of the tank water is with a
Common Diseases
hand-held thermometer. It's simple to do - you just take a sample of
water from the tank, insert the thermometer and read the
temperature. This thermometer is particularly useful in ensuring that
the fresh water being added to the tank during a water change is of Ideal Water Conditions
the right temperature.
To achieve the required water temperature, a tank heater can be
used. A 25 Watt tank heater will suffice for a 2-gallon tank. It is Breeding Betta Fish
important to monitor the heating process as the water can reach the
desired temperature quite quickly. Putting Bettas in Vases
A well set up tank will go a long way towards ensuring that your Betta Choosing the Right Plants
fish remain happy, healthy and a joy to behold.
Recommended Reading

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Betta Colors
What Fish Food Is Right for Your Betta Fish Betta Tails
Betta fish are one of the more sought after fish species admired, Betta Senses
collected and bred by fish aficionados. They are usually kept as pets
because of their colorful bodies and impressive fin shapes. The most Types of Bettas
popular Betta fish is the Siamese Fighting Fish. Betta fish grow to an
Common Diseases
average length of two and a quarter inches in captivity and come in a
multitude of bright colors. Betta are classified as Gourami and part of
the Osphronemidae family of fresh water perciform fishes.
They are labyrinth fish that can survive in fairly shallow water due to
their ability to obtain oxygen both from the air and the water. Betta Choosing a Healthy Betta
fish are a hardy bunch that can survive in smaller and less-than-ideal
conditions when compared to other aquarium fishes. Breeding Betta Fish
What goes in! Putting Bettas in Vases
Similar to other fish that are kept as pets, Betta needs to be fed with Choosing the Right Plants
the correct quantity of nutritious foods on a regular basis. Betta fish
are carnivorous. They feed on zooplankton, water-bound insect Setting up Your Tank
larvae and mosquito larvae in their natural habitats. The zooplankton

and larvae are replaced by daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp
for those Betta fish raised and kept in captivity. One of the more
popular Betta fish foods is the Combination Betta Pellets. These fish
food pellets are essentially a mixture of common fish food such as
bloodworms and mashed shrimp meal to which special vitamins are
added. This combination boosts the immune system, promotes
longevity and enhances the Betta's beautiful, bright colors. Recommended Reading
Other fish foods should be offered to these aquatic pets too to

introduce variety, additional nutrients and much needed fiber to their
diets. Bettas can sometimes be fed minutely chopped veggies which
are substantially high in protein, such as green beans, soy beans,
corn, broccoli and carrots.
They like a good variety!

Bettas often fare better when provided with a wider selection of
different foods. The reward is in the eye of the beholder through a
show of richer, brighter as well as deeper shades and hues in the
fish's appearance. Another advantage to be had is that Betta following
a varied diet of high protein and high fiber foods, will heal much
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Betta Colors
faster when fin damage is inevitably sustained than those Betta fish Betta Tails
following limited variety, low fiber and low protein diets.
Betta Senses
Betta fish have upturned mouths. In their natural habitats, Betta
would feed on larvae and plankton at the surface of the water. For Types of Bettas
this reason, foods with the ability to float on the water's surface will
probably be the best choice. Common Diseases
How often do you feed them? Tank Recommendations
Feeding your Betta fish should be done between two and three times Ideal Water Conditions
every day and only in amounts that can be consumed by the fish
within a few minutes. Do not over feed your Betta fish as the left over
food will cause a higher than normal bacterial concentration, thus
Breeding Betta Fish
putting your Betta at a greater risk of bacterial diseases and
infections. Feeding your Betta some live black worms every now and Putting Bettas in Vases
then or even some live shrimp can be very healthy, as long as this is
done in moderation. Choosing the Right Plants
Recommended Reading

Betta Fish Diseases and Care Tips

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Betta Fish Diseases and Care Tips

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This short book is intended to all Betta lovers, but still not covering

Betta Colors Betta Tails

Single Colors Betta Senses

Ideal Water Conditions

Putting Bettas in Vases

 Referred to as �non-red� Beta Fish Food Guide

 Metallic blue Click here to download now

Royal Blue  Another of the three iridescent colors

 Darker head with cornflower blue body Types of Bettas

 Another of the three iridescent colors Ideal Water Conditions

Green  Least fixed single color

Breeding Betta Fish

 Resulting from two different genes Choosing the Right Plants

Beta Fish Food Guide

 Body is dark, black or dark blue

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Patterned Betta Tails

Ideal Water Conditions

Breeding Betta Fish

Multi Colored Putting Bettas in Vases

Beta Fish Food Guide

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Betta Tails Betta Tails

Comb Grooves at the end, not as pronounced as the Crown

Crown Distinguished spiky grooves at the end Tank Recommendations

Delta Elegant, very long finnage, rounded Ideal Water Conditions

Choosing a Healthy Betta

Breeding Betta Fish

Short Finnage that is small

Single Common one-lobed

Veil Most common Recommended Reading

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Betta Senses Betta Tails

Vision Betta Senses

Bettas use a "lateral line," which runs down their sides.

The anatomy of the Betta's ear is fairly simple, consisting of a single

The Labyrinth Organ

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Ideal Water Conditions

Choosing a Healthy Betta

Breeding Betta Fish

Betta Fish Picture Putting Bettas in Vases

Choosing a Healthy Betta

Breeding Betta Fish

Putting Bettas in Vases

Choosing the Right Plants

Setting up Your Tank

Beta Fish Food Guide

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Betta Types - Physical Appearances Betta Tails

Round tail Choosing a Healthy Betta

Round tail and large fins Setting up Your Tank

Round tail and short fins

Round tail and small fins (sometimes pointed Recommended Reading

Round tail, small fins

Round tail, long pectoral fins

Pearly Heart shaped tail

Small, round tail Common Diseases

Heart shaped tail and short fins

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Betta Diseases Betta Tails

Name Frequency Symptoms Tank Recommendations

Bloated stomach, won't eat (due to Ideal Water Conditions

Setting up Your Tank