Fish Care

Everything You Need to Know About Betta Fish

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

Glossary: Labyrinth Fish

Me and Dad Originally uploaded by Mean and Pinchy. Paradisefish, like Bettas, have a labyrinth organ used to breathe from the atmosphere. As I mentioned in a previous post I am going to integrate glossary terms with book, web forum and equipment reviews to supplement the usual Q&A on the Blog. Since this is primarily a Betta splendens Blog, I thought our first glossary … [Read more...] about Glossary: Labyrinth Fish

Bettas Fins are Melting Away

Q: TT wrote, My bettas fins look like they are melting away. They started to fall off a couple of days ago and then this morning they looked even worse. He isn’t swimming much. I don’t understand what is happening and I can’t find the fin pieces anywhere in the bowl. I am really worried that he won’t be able to swim soon. A: If his fins are falling off suddenly and in large … [Read more...] about Bettas Fins are Melting Away

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

Aquamaniacs.net: A Web Forum Review

Aquamaniacs.net is an online community dedicated to the art of fishkeeping. I choose to do my first web forum review on Aquamaniacs because they have been a tremendous help to me throughout my own adventures with aquaria. These folks get top marks for being knowledgeable in all areas of the hobby as well as providing a fun and friendly atmosphere, lightning fast response … [Read more...] about Aquamaniacs.net: A Web Forum Review

Betta Constantly Flaring in New Tank

Dodie Originally uploaded by Mean and Pinchy. Q: PZ Wrote, We recently moved our betta to a cycled, planted, 10-gallon tank with a filter and a heater. He is acting VERY oddly, now that he is in the tank. He hangs out right next to the filter, flaring and puffing out his cheeks, and bumping the glass with his nose. I thought the flow of the filter might be bothering him, so … [Read more...] about Betta Constantly Flaring in New Tank

Heating 2 – 6 Gallon Aquariums

Q: Anon wrote, With the colder weather coming I’m noticing my aquarium temperature is fluctuating a lot and it gets pretty cold at night. What kind of heater do you recommend for a 3 gallon tank? A: Ah yes, with Autumn comes cooler weather and fluctuating aquarium temperatures that can lead to stress or illness. I just installed my aquarium heaters in all my tanks, which I … [Read more...] about Heating 2 – 6 Gallon Aquariums

Betta Tank Mates: African Dwarf Frogs

African Dwarf Frog does her impression of Trinity in The Matrix.Q: IC wrote, Do African Dwarf frogs make good tank mates for bettas? A: I have had mixed results with African Dwarf frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri) as Betta tank mates as have many of my other aquarist friends. I think that they CAN make a good tank mate but certain precautions should be taken. As with any Betta … [Read more...] about Betta Tank Mates: African Dwarf Frogs