Hi, Bryan, The lovely and experienced fish keepers at my LFS advised that any filter would be too strong for that amount of water, so just to make sure his water changes are good. That’s quite a wide potential age range and there are a number of reasons for this. Usually, if nothing unforeseen happens, a Betta Fish will live about 2 … A healthy diet can also improve the color of this fish. They have a short lifespan. You have to remember, in a lot of cases, they were raised in an environment that’s very detrimental to their health. However, there have been rare accounts of some Bettas living for up to 10 years. However, they can live longer in certain conditions and with the appropriate care. Lifespan of Siamese Fighting Fish. We had him for around a year, and he gradually went from darker blue hues to a pure black. A 25% weekly water change was recommended. He’s in a 5 gallon Fluval Chi with lots of rocks, sand, a cave, and anya for hiding. How long a Betta fish can go without food depends on various factors, such as the fish’s age and overall health. Learn how your comment data is processed. On the other hand, as much as 6 years can be quite possible. Make sure you know how to identify the sex of them, especially if one turns out to be a male so you can remove it. But he doesn’t eat food on the bottom just on rocks, sides of the tank. 3. How long a Betta fish in captivity is influenced by a variety of factors, including tank size and water conditions, but also genetics, diet, and disease. The average lifespan of Betta fish, or betta splendens, is 2 to 4 years in captivity, for both males and females. You may also choose to feed your betta dried bloodworms or brine shrimp. The recommended habitat size for a betta fish is 5 gallons, with a minimum recommended tank size of 2.5 gallons. Being that they are picky eaters, finding the right food to make your betta happy can be difficult. When you speak or tap the tank come up to say hello. Another leading cause to reduced lifespans is poor water quality. Look for any concerning signs before you buy your fish. Fish in general don’t have a rather lengthy life expectancy and most species of fish don’t live long out in the wild either. That’s awesome Barbara, aren’t betta fish the best? The average lifespan of a Crowntail Betta is 2-3 years. Betta Fish Lifespan : 3 - 5 years, possibly longer. The giant betta (Betta anabantoides) is a type of freshwater ray-finned fish in the Macropodusinae subfamily, part of the gourami family.It is native to southern Kalimantan, the Borneo region of Indonesia. The lifespan of a fighting fish depends on several factors. Stick around, you'll learn a lot. Bulging eyes, faint colors, and any other external red flags will help give you a good idea. Betta, or Siamese Fighting Fish, are one of the most popular tropical fish to keep as pets for good reason. First, try using Nutrafin Betta Plus Tap Water Conditioner for Bettas. Article by Aquariadise. How long a betta can live is mostly based on the tank conditions in which they are kept. Their aggression should not put you off though – they are a colorful species with plenty of personality to keep you captivated. I thought he had swim bladder disease at first. The betta fish lifespan is between 2-5 years. These stores will sell male bettas when they are approximately one year old, and female bettas when they are roughly six months old. Looks like I need to add a heater too though. Take this seriously and do what it takes to give them the space they need. A betta fish’s lifespan will almost always be significantly reduced if you house them in unfiltered and unheated bowls. That is only the general estimation, and it can vary widely. Hi! There is so much conflicting advice out there, I just don’t know who to turn to anymore. The life expectancy of your male Betta fish will rapidly decrease if you keep it … The article gives an analysis of Betta Fish Lifespan. Generally, the Betta fish that we see in pet shops are six months old. With that said, no I wouldn’t place Ruby in there with them. Let us continue reading, Lifespan of a Betta Fish … Is it a very bright color? After all I can’t fit in their bowls…lol, Make your beta’s days eventful, adventuress, fun, and you will laugh, and love your little beta boy even more then you thought you could, just cause he’s a fish, doesn’t mean there isn’t a bond of affection you can build with your little beta buddy… : ), Mine look forward to being with me, as much as I am with them… print different backgrounds to tape to the tank each day… etc… there are so many simple, easy things you can create, just use your imagination… your beta will love you for it!… : ). GREAT information Bryan. While betta pellets are a great start, you should also be incorporating freeze-dried, frozen, or live bloodworms and brine shrimp to really get all of the nutrients they need. If not, then you’ve got some work to do and you should definitely read our full betta care guide. Love is beautiful. This makes tap water safe for your fighting fish. He is thinner and losing his color. 35. How long a betta can live is mostly based on the tank conditions in which they are kept. Plus one 10 gallon. Moreover, you are provided with the best tips for enhancing the lifespan of this vivacious fish. In the wild, the average betta fish lifespan won’t be quite as long as in an aquarium. However, much of this reputation is likely based on improper care over the years. Love is beautiful. Many factors affect the lifespan of a betta fish. The average betta fish lifespan when kept in aquariums is roughly three years. If you're wondering how long you can expect your beloved Betta to be with you and what affects Betta fish lifespan, this article will help. The Betta fish, Siamese fighting fish, or betta as it’s known by its genus, is an elegant tropical freshwater fish that is popular as a pet and often housed in eclectic home aquariums. The Betta fish in the wild has an average lifespan of 2 years. Bettas should do well for over 3 years. Some betta fish are more resilient than others though. Our Betta fish, Zsa Zsa recently died, and I am wondering what their expected life span is? The most significant factor in the life span of the betta fish is the general care and the conditions that you provide it with. This may seem shorter than that of Bettas in captivity because the competition in the wild makes things less certain for Betta fish. A betta fish is going to live a lot longer in a larger tank due to the fact that it will have less anxiety from switching waters on a weekly basis. Betta Fish Types Betta Fish Care Colorful Fish Tropical Fish Freshwater Aquarium Fish Fish Aquariums Green Iguana Betta Tank Different Fish. Why You Have A Cloudy Fish Tank (And How To Fix It), Why Your Betta Fish Is Laying At The Bottom Of The Tank, Indian Almond Leaves: Benefits For Your Aquarium, The 35 Best Low Light Aquarium Plants (Must-See), 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips. The temperature remains at a steady 78 degrees. Yes, in most cases bettas do live longer in captivity. Even so, its rare for a Betta to live more than five years. There are a number of reasons for this but they all have to do with the additional stressors and difficulties that they will face. I have two Bettas and a divided 2.5 gallon tank. Thank you in advance! Is there anything I can do to help them that doesn’t cost a lot? However, stick to foods high in meats, fish, and shrimp. He is lying on the bottom of the tank, struggles to swim to the top for food. Feed meaty foods to this carnivorous fish which loves eating insects. September 16, 2019 Robert Freshwater Fish 0. I think my beta is dying. Its diet required fiber and protein. The average betta fish life span is 3 to 5 years. Happy and Healthy Bettas for Extending Your Betta’s Lifespan. I have had Brawny for about 2 years and want to have him around for a lot longer. I should note also, that Ruby was in with another fish when I first got her and she kept her distance, but he kept chasing her and nipped a fin so I removed her immediately. But that is rare, and even if you do get such a fish, you would have to … How Long Do Betta Fish Live In Aquariums? Betta fish are carnivores and need a varied diet rich in protein. Ways To Help Them Live Longer Start With A Healthy Fish. This is my first experience with bettas, I have only raised cichlids — I am sooooo impressed with these fish! I have a square glass 2.7 gallon tank and I read here that I really should not attach the filter that came with this tank since it is smaller than 3 gallons, so I have not yet. Water Quality is Critical. When I changed his tank yesterday, he was entire black, and for the last few days he had hidden in his tank house. Do Betta Fish live longer in captivity or in the wild? Haven’t had an algae problem since. Happy and Healthy Bettas for Extending Your Betta’s Lifespan. Often times a new hobbyist doesn't know about the nitrogen cycle, water changes, proper tank setup and the foods they should be feeding them which causes disease issues and shortened lifespans. I just love this website! Pet stores display betta fish in plastic cups because of their aggression and territorial nature. Not only is it unsightly, it…, Many owners go into a panic when they see a Betta fish laying at the bottom of the…. However, on average they’re going to live for about 3 years. Can you advise me on water changes and feeding? If everyone seems healthy, a transfer attempt is probably not too risky though. Sororities can be tough…so always have a backup plan to remove one if they are just too aggressive for the pack. I just got a beautiful male Betta for my toddlers to watch. When properly cared for betta fish have a lifespan of some 2-5 years in captivity. Betta fish can be feisty and territorial, which can obviously cause problems if you’re trying to maximize their lifespan. If you feel something is missing above, or have further questions about how long a betta fish can live for, or how to improve their life span, please leave a comment below. Watch their life evolve from courtship, eggs, fry to adulthood in this glittering video. Do right by them, and they’ll be around for you to enjoy for quite a while! Generally, the life expectancy of your domesticated betta fish is going to be around 3 years. Sure, you can simply find the average betta fish lifespan below and be on your way. The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), also known as the betta, is a freshwater fish native to Thailand (formerly Siam) and present in neighboring Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam.While colloquially known and marketed in the global aquarium trade as the "betta", it is one of 73 species in the genus Betta. Further, if anything unclear, FAQs will clear your doubts at the end of this article. Your tasks for a betta with a long life starts before you even buy your fish. In their natural habitat, Crowntail Betta usually feeds on insects and larvae. However, we highly encourage you to take a second to learn about the factors that can influence how long they live. How Long Do Betta Fish Live: Wild vs Captivity Betta fish live in the wild, on average, 2 years Betta fish live in captivity, on average, 3 years It could be age, however, you should consider a leaf hammock or lowering the tank’s water to help him be able to get to the surface easier for air, and consider adding an air pump to oxygenate the water if you have one. With the right genetics, environment, and care from the onset of a betta’s life, they can live up to 6 or 7 years or more. That’s amazing and definitely some of the oldest bettas I’ve heard of others caring for. My Archie is 3 years old and I love him more than ANYTHING! A healthy individual in a clean tank usually lives for around three years. When in the wild, a Betta fish feeds on larvae and insects. This was a very long question. !… never ever!! For example, there’s no guarantee that they will be living in water conditions that are suitable for maximizing their lifespan. So before getting to know how to expand your fish’s lifespan, let’s take a quick look at the characteristics of betta. This will help to keep the tank’s water temperature consistent. But those are very exceptional instances. Yet given the predisposition of betta keepers for the epic fail it might be good to at least cover the 17 top ways to kill your betta fish… When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. Tank? However, stick to foods high in meats, fish, and shrimp. Betta Fish Lifespan Betta Fish are among the freshwater fish you will find in most home aquarium tanks and they are a perfect choice for beginner aquarists. I’m not really able to spend a lot of money on them. I also just purchased a brine shrimp breeding setup to hopefully provide nutritious live food. Use tap water and make sure to use a (dechlorinator) water conditioner to make the water safe for a betta. Would you clarify if I have a heater, then I must have a filter or no? To keep a fish tank running for a decade or longer, you’ll have to keep replacing fish that die out naturally. An Optimal Diet Can Extend Your Betta’s Life Span. I am wary about moving them while their fry are still growing, but they have started a new nest and are laying more eggs. They are extremely hardy fish and will survive conditions that would kill other specie. One way to see velvet is to use a light directly on … The fish are in various species and the main difference between them is the colors and tail shapes – the commonest are Veiltail Betta and Crowntail Betta. Betta fish love is uniquely beautiful. Keep the water at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which will boost your betta's immune system and … He lays on his side and can’t upright himself. You want your fish to be around as long as possible, and knowing this will help you make that happen. Many betta diets are very high in fat, which lazy betta fish just do not need. Make sure you water is clean, try performing a 25% water change daily for 4-7 days and see if things improve. The way you take care of your betta, along with water conditions and the density of fish, is the critical factor in determining how long do betta fish live. I have made many changes but nothing is working. Georgia (who was already bigger) has grown to about twice the size of Skye and I’m worried if I add another fish Skye may become a target. We’re heard from new aquarists who have thought their betta died young when in reality it had an average lifespan. Yay, I’m doing it right! Second, always inspect your … !… get it? To help a betta fish live longer, feed it a healthy diet that consists of live food, betta pellets, and frozen fish food. I should note he’s a doubletail, and I’ve read they are prone to such issues. Provide rich and abundant food that’s high in protein and fiber. or is that normal betta fish behavior? Although it is claimed that with proper care, they may live even further, chances of seeing a Betta fish older than four years of age is extremely rare. First one had a lot of personality. If a betta is cared for they can live five years or even longer. A Betta Fish can survive up to 2 weeks without food. But now I guess comfortable has a leaf that it lays on a lot of the day. Lifespan In the wild. Ideally, a 10 gallon divided tank so each fish has 5 gallons on each side. Also, there’s a good chance that males will injure each other due to their aggressive territorial nature. Diseases from this can harm your betta and often lead to death from poor water quality. A 1 gallon would require daily water changes while maintaining a constant temperature which is extremely hard to do and leads to constant stress. How Long Do Betta Fish Live? Here’s what to be aware of from a high-level. According to the Quick Tips inset, at least… The Siamese fighting fish lifespan depends on several factors. Most importantly, in terms of both a betta’s lifespan and its general health, is the … Hello! No probably because as long as it is not direct light she should be fine. It also enhances the growth rate of Betta fish. Did you know that poor water quality is the primary reason bettas get sick … First, 10-gallons would be the minimum size for a sorority, and a 20-gallon long tank would be best. On average, they can live around 3 years. But don't overfeed it, as too much food can cause fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), which can shorten your Betta's life span. They can be easy to care for, and, under the right circumstances, they can live for several years. A cloudy fish tank is something that no aquarist wants to see. You can find individuals for roughly $5, but this price will double depending on the store and type of Betta fish. I would leave them where they are, but algae has taken over, the filter is cavatating (which means it isn’t sucking the fry into it…) just not wild about the precariousness of this tank and think a 10 gal will be easier to control. This is especially true if they are under 2 gallons in size. You are correct in that providing a stimulating and varied environment is excellent to keep your fish from being bored. !He has lived in a 1/2 gallon size fish bowl!I feed him when I remember every 3 or 4 days My kitties drink out of his home and never try to eat him.I have 4 by the way He has 2 small peace Lilly plants that float and grow in his environment and he has grown some sort of flower shape on his tail fin and like a turkey waddle under his chin .He is active and in great shape and beautiful and amazing and I love him and I have moved him in winter and summer jiggling around in my truck when I moved several times .I think he is 1 in a million Love your Betta.Laurie Feb 10 2019, Excellent article, very helpful. Make the right choice from the start. Here’s a video showing a quick recap on the betta fish lifespan. Due to their short lifespan, breeding starts within a … If you are going to keep them healthy in the meantime, you should at the minimum do daily 10-20% water changes in the bowls. They are extremely hardy fish and will survive conditions that would kill other specie. Anything else I can do? Use a Filter and a Heater. I am an intermediately experienced betta owner, however, this is my first try with a sorority tank. Yes, in most cases bettas do live longer in captivity. This may seem shorter than that of Bettas in captivity because the competition in the wild makes things less certain for Betta fish. I’m not sure how you would use only one as distribution would probably be inconsistent at the middle of the divider – falling on each side. I thought when I bought them that they could be in a bowl but since then I’ve learned that they need more room and a heater. But as a kid, I didn’t know how to take care of mine for the first time, second, third or others, and I never had one live past about three months. The average betta fish lifespan can swing by at least a year depending on if they have a suitable home or not. Betta life span can range from approximately 2-5 years in captivity. Most betta fish won’t even touch regular tropical fish flakes because this food is inadequate to their needs. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. After many attempts, they finally have viable offspring! Getting a healthy betta from the start is a key factor in how long they will live. Also be very careful buying baby bettas labeled females from fish stores because sometimes they are mis-labeled and turn out to be males. In captivity the average betta fish lifespan is about 3 years of age, but it is not unusual for them to live up to 5 years. This will affect how long you have them. Hi Shannon, yes there truly is which is why I try my best to continue educating and responding to questions like yours. I recently bought a 5.5-gallon tank for my betta male, has two caves to hide in and has plenty of plants. The bloodworms could have initially caused the issue and maybe some level of swim bladder disorder which on occasion may never fully heal. For example, there have been reports of betta fish living for more than five years. This would give you more tank room to set up 2 automatic daily feeders. I have come to realize something… having had beta fish years ago… I now have five who are in condo’s for now, and moving to their luxury mansion next month… anyway, in the mean time, I’ve learned a lot by observing, and interacting with my betas…, I think some things about betas needs to be changed… first off, no beta’s are not out for blood(no pun intended), all the time, every moment of the day… that if you have other betas in separate bowls, tanks etc., but are next to each other… they will as I call it “display” to one another… they are like the bullies on the block showing how tough they are by displaying their gorgeous long fins…, It’s stupid to think that the males are only thinking of this… beta’s are smart indeed. The oldest reported betta lived to be 10 years old, and that is what we all should strive for when we want to extend our betta’s lifespan. The common misconception that these fish don’t live for a long time is due to the fact of tank and living variables. Do not use distilled water because it has been stripped of the essential nutrients and minerals that betta fish need to be healthy. You should take note though that the Betta fish you see being sold in fish stores are usually from breeders. I just set up a 10 gal planted tank for a breeding pair that currently live in a 4 gal. I have had Bettas in the past, but this one seems obsessed with a seashell (properly cleaned and aquarium safe) – he displays in front of it and puffs up. I use a spare turkey baster which makes it easy to suck up excess debris off the substrate. Just like any other animal, the average betta fish lifespan can change drastically depending on the level of care you provide. Especially if you bought them from a shop that keeps them in plastic cups. When other males come into a male Betta’s space, they will start fighting, which can decrease their lifespan … Being that they are picky eaters, finding the right food to make your betta happy can be difficult. You now know the answer to the question “how long do betta fish live” along with the various factors that can impact their lifespan. Several owners have even reported lifespans of 9 and 10 years, but that’s not realistic for every betta. This is not the case. As such, the exact lifespan of your Betta will depend on the particular fish you have. Learn more. I have over the last two years taken in 3 very old bettas. How to Ensure your Betta Fish Lives as Long as Possible Buying your Fish. You can also use trusted quality spring water or a filtration unit like a Brita for tank fill ups and water cycling. Keep in mind that most pet store bettas are about 1 year old when you purchase them. He has helped me so much with my depression. Of course, don’t let them starve like that if you want to improve their lifespan. Took some time. Make Sure You Buy a Healthy Betta. How to Breed Betta Fish. This is their home, and if they don’t have an adequate amount of space it will cause stress and negatively impact their health. I am confused about that. Perhaps so they have something longer than a few months to shoot for, I don’t know. In the wild, native to areas like Cambodia and Thailand, the betta inhabits rice paddies and still watered canals. Also, you will get general facts about Betta fish in captivity and the wild. Good care and a healthy diet can prolong the lifespan of your Betta. Ruby and GA are veiltails, and I think Skye may be crowntail, but she’s still pretty small. lately, I been noticing my betta just sitting in the corners in his tank and I would sometimes see him swim around the tank in circles… should I be concern? Feed meaty foods to this carnivorous fish which loves eating insects.