Betta
Betta splendens
Also known as: Siamese fighting fish
Quick Facts
- Adult size: 6-7 cm (2.36-2.76 inches)
- Minimum tank size: 30 litres (8 gallons)
- Lifespan: 3–5 years
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Swimming level: top-and-middle
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum group size: 1
- Difficulty: beginner
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22–30°C
- pH: 6–8
- Hardness (GH): 18–268 ppm (1–15 dGH)
Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.
Care Summary
A hardy labyrinth fish that breathes atmospheric air directly from the surface. Thrives in warm, gently filtered water and prefers minimal current. Solitary by nature; best kept alone or with carefully chosen peaceful tankmates.
Tankmates
Males cannot be housed together. Avoid colourful or long-finned tankmates as they may trigger aggression.
Compatible with
Avoid keeping with
- Guppy
- Other Male Bettas
- Fin Nippers
- Neon Tetra
- Platy
- Harlequin Rasbora
- Cherry Shrimp
- Otocinclus
- Ember Tetra
- Dwarf Gourami
- Endler's Livebearer
- Pearl Gourami
- Honey Gourami
- Zebra Danio
- White Cloud Mountain Minnow
- Cherry Barb
- Chili Rasbora
- Dwarf Chain Loach
- Amano Shrimp
- German Blue Ram
- Tiger Barb
- Bolivian Ram
- Rosy Barb
- Electric Yellow Cichlid
- Scarlet Badis
- Celestial Pearl Danio
- Bumblebee Goby
Common Problems
Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-18