Petco ~ Build a Betta Weekend - 1/22 - 1/23 1-3pm

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Pet Supplies - Online Pet Supply, Pet Products & Accessories at PETCO

What is a Betta?
A Betta is a relatively small fish that comes in many shapes, colors and sizes originating from Thailand. Thailand was once called Siam,which is where the name “Siamese Fighting Fish” comes from. A Betta fish’s ancestors were known as plah-kahd, plah-kaht or trey krehm, which loosely translates from Thai to English as “fighting fish”.

How long does a Betta live?
The Veiltail Betta fish can live from 2 to 5 years of age in captivity, and averages a length of 2” from mouth to tail. Male Veiltail Bettas have long flowing fins, which make them a beautiful fish to add to your home. This variety of Betta is the most popular tropical fish, particularly in the United States.

Where does a Betta live?
A Betta can live in a wide variety of freshwater aquariums, such as a fish bowl, a 10 gallon tank, or even a 100 gallon tank! As long as proper water changes, filtration, feeding and water temperature are maintained and regulated, a Betta is very adaptable to different habitats. In nature, Betta fish can be found in puddles, ponds, lakes, rice paddies and slow moving streams.

How can they survive in puddles?
Bettas have evolved to have a special breathing organ that allows the fish to breathe underwater like other aquatic life, but also air from the surface. This respiratory adaptation is called the labyrinth organ. As long as there is a body of water, the fish can survive. However, we want the fish to thrive and not just survive, which includes keeping them in an appropriate size bowl or aquarium, maintaining water quality and feeding a high quality Betta food.

What keeps water quality “good” and the fish healthy?
For starters, regular water changes of around 25% to 50% per week are ideal. Bettas also don’t like fast-moving water either. These fish are carnivores and will only eat meaty foods and pellets. They may pick at plants, but they are not herbivores or omnivores. A good variety of foods such as Betta Pellets, Brine Shrimp and Blood Worms are best for proper health. Bettas will also eat as much as they are fed, and can definitely over-eat, which is detrimental to their health and to water quality.

Who makes a good tank mate for a Betta?
Non-aggressive fish, and fish that don’t nip are ideal tank mates only in filtered tanks. Guppies, Mollies, Neon Tetras, Platies and Cory Catfish make great additions. If you choose to keep your Betta in a bowl, it’s best to keep him alone.

Find out if a betta is right for you: http://www.petco.com/caresheets/fish/Betta.pdf

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