Angry stick training one, originally uploaded by revs45. Q: J&J wrote, Christie, [We] have a beautiful dark blue and radiant red Beta Splenden (or at least I think that is what it is called) He has long flowing fins. His name is Earl. Two weeks after my parents gave him to me I received orders and deployed to Iraq. I am back now and can’t wait to help Earl. HISTORY: … [Read more...] about Oops! You Forgot to Change Your Betta’s Water… (when serious time lapses)
Behavior
Betta Laying on Tank Bottom
Q: B wrote, I have a betta fish that I believe is sick. He is laying on the floor of the tank and eats very little only one or two pellets. What could be wrong with my fish? A: Sluggishness and appetite loss can be a sign of many things ranging from something simple like water that is too cool to something more complex like a bacterial infection or parasites. Without more … [Read more...] about Betta Laying on Tank Bottom
Betta Care for the Novice
Black Velvet in motion Originally uploaded by RyanThomas. Happy New Year Betta Blog readers! I hope you had a terrific holiday. Mine was wonderful as I spent it at the not-so-sunny Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fl. No bother, a rainy vacation in Florida is better then a sunny one in D.C. anyway. Still, I’m glad to be back as I have tons of plans for Nippyfish.net and … [Read more...] about Betta Care for the Novice
Betta Spitting Out Flakes
Photo by Scott Kinmartin Q: PH wrote, My betta won’t eat flake food. He sucks it up and then spits it out again. What do you recommend? Should I try buying pellet food instead? A: Sometimes bettas will suck up food and spit it out again to break it up. Observe your betta to see if he is eating the food after breaking it up. Disinterest in flake or pellet … [Read more...] about Betta Spitting Out Flakes
Giving Bettas as Holiday Gifts
Christmas 2003 Originally uploaded by Mean and Pinchy. ‘Tis the season to give gifts from the heart but if you’re thinking of giving a Betta fish to someone as a gift there are a few things to consider beforehand. Each December hundreds, if not thousands, of Siamese Fighting Fish are given as gifts to children, parents, spouses and significant others and like clockwork … [Read more...] about Giving Bettas as Holiday Gifts
Stringy Fiber on Betta’s Gills
Fenris Originally uploaded by girlpirate. Q: JG wrote, Several weeks ago on one of my Bettas a white thing appeared at one of its gills. It was small, about one or two millimetres long. It could be seen only rarely, perhaps about once per week or less. One person (who did not see it) thought that it could be a parasitic worm. I saw it again today and this time it was about … [Read more...] about Stringy Fiber on Betta’s Gills
Housing Bettas with Goldfish
Jetsam the goldfish Originally uploaded by Robert Seber. Q: Anon wrote, I want to get another Siamese Fighting Fish but don’t want to have to set up a whole new aquarium just for him and I don’t like the idea of using tiny bowls. I currently have a 10 gallon with 2 fantail goldfish. Can I put my Fighting Fish in with the goldfish or will that put them at risk of being … [Read more...] about Housing Bettas with Goldfish
Betta Tankmates: Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras Originally uploaded by Big-E-Mr-G. Q: G wrote, Do Neon Tetras make good tank mates for male bettas? How many can go in a 10 gallon aquarium? A: Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) may make good tank mates for your male Betta if the circumstances are right. The basics for success are already there. Both neons and bettas enjoy similar water parameters. They thrive … [Read more...] about Betta Tankmates: Neon Tetras
Betta with Red, Inflamed Gills
Betta with healthy looking gills.Q: MU wrote, Hi Christie. I am hoping you can help me with my male Siamese fighting fish. Lately he has been laying on the bottom a lot not being very active. His gill covers are sticking out a little bit and look sort of red and irritated and he hasn’t been blowing bubble nests like he was when I first got him. I don’t see any spots or fuzzy … [Read more...] about Betta with Red, Inflamed Gills
Betta Loses Appetite
Firefly’s Rays Originally uploaded by ballookey. Q: CWR wrote, I am really hoping that you can help me. My betta fish, Pete, is on the bottom of the tank. He doesn’t come up to eat only for air. I am really worried about him. Is there anything I can do? Please let me know. I would really appreciate it and so would he. A: I’m sorry to hear that your betta isn’t feeling well. … [Read more...] about Betta Loses Appetite