How long do betta fish live?

The beta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish or fighting fish, is a species of fish belonging to the Perciformes order, the Osphronemidae family and the Betta genus, being its scientific name Betta splendens.

This species presents a picturesque range of colors in both male and female specimens. Regarding its longevity, the beta fish can reach between 3 and 5 years in captivity under the ideal conditions of care.

Betta fish lifespan

Unlike as usually happens with other animals, there is not a very pronounced difference between the longevity of a beta fish in captivity or in the wild, since the life expectancy of this species is quite determined and it is practically impossible to extend it, even under the best care.

However, although the difference between their life expectancy in the wild or in captivity is not very significant, it does exist. We will explain in detail below.

How long do betta fish live in the wild?

The beta fish, due to its small size, is in a permanent state of threat, since in the immensity of the ecosystems it inhabits there are countless animals that contemplate the beta fish as part of their usual diet. For this reason, the wild life expectancy of beta fish in the wild hardly exceeds 3 years of age.

Another factor to consider, and that affects the life expectancy of this species, is human intervention in the ecosystems inhabited by the beta fish. Also, due to its quirky and distinctive coloration, this fish is quite commercialized.

The aforementioned has led this species to be considered by the IUCN as a threatened species (Vulnerable “VU”).

How long do betta fish live in captivity?

The beta fish is a fairly territorial and aggressive species, hence the reason for one of its common names: Siamese fighting fish.

So that, for no reason a male specimen of this species can live in captivity, in the same fish tank, with a congener of the same sex; the conflict between the two would be inevitable.

The aggressive behavior between males of this species can greatly limit their life expectancy in captivity, although if they are females, or a solitary male and/or sole leader of a herd, their life expectancy ranges between 3 and 5 years.

What care does a betta fish require in captivity?

However, this species also requires special care, as your aquarium must perfectly emulate the warm waters that it inhabits in its natural habitats.

It is recommended to keep your aquarium water at a temperature between 75–86 ° F (24 - 30 ° C), as well as to ensure that the water maintains a slightly acidic pH and not alkaline.

The aquarium should be large enough so that this fish can swim peacefully and should be out of reach of preschool-age children, as they could hit your tank and scare them easily.

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Where do betta fish live?

Beta fish inhabit stagnant or slow-moving waters; rice paddies and plains are their preferred habitat, as long as they are between 75 - 86 ° F (24 - 30 ° C).

What do betta fish eat?

What do betta fish eat in the wild?

Beta fish are omnivores; that is, they can feed on both vegetation and other animals, being this last diet her favorite. Usually, it feeds on small living organisms such as:

• Zooplankton.
• Insect larvae.
• Small insects or eggs of this class of arthropods.

What do betta fish eat in captivity?

In captivity, beta fish should be fed meat/protein-based freckle feed.

In the case of the females of this species, to being more are overweight and require more energy for the production of eggs, must be supplied with 4 to 6 pellets every 12 or 13 hours.

The males of this species, although they do not require extra energy for the production of eggs, they are larger than the females, so they require a similar amount of food: 4 to 6 pellets every 12 or 13 hours.