Male Betta Fish

What Fish Can Live With a Male Betta?

A female betta fish can live peacefully with a male, but breeding is certainly a possibility. So, take that into consideration when purchasing a pair of opposite sex bettas. Do not pair male bettas together in the same tank. They are likely to fight and even potentially die from the injuries incurred. However, male betta fish can live with other non-aggressive aquatic and fish species, male or female. Guppies, neon and ember tetras, cory catfish, harlequin rasboras, plecostomus(plecos), kuhli loaches, african dwarf frogs, ghost shrimp, and zebra snails are good tank mates for male betta fish. Just keep in mind that you will need a tank size that is appropriate for your male betta fish as well as his tank mates.

How Long Do Male Betta Fish Live?

A well cared for male betta betta fish can live for 3 to 5 years with the average lifespan being closer to 3 years. Most pet store Siamese fighting fish are a year old when you purchase them. Captive male betta fish live longer than wild bettas by at least a year. The longest living betta fish was ten years old.

How Big Do Male Betta Fish Get?

Male betta fish can grow to about 3 inches at maturity. The body size of a male betta fish is about the same as a female. However the fins and tail make the male larger in overall size.

Why Do Male Betta Fish Make Bubbles?

Happy and healthy male betta fish create bubble nests. Bubble nests are built by male bettas even when a female betta fish is not present because it is a natural instinct. Male betta fish blow bubble nests to attract females and house their eggs and fry. The bubble nest keeps the eggs moist and surrounded by oxygenated air. Male betta fish not only take the eggs from the female betta to the bubble nest, but they continue to guard and protect the eggs until they hatch. When the eggs hatch, the fry (baby bettas) use the bubble nest for protection until they are ready to live on their own. (It is totally normal if your male betta fish does not build bubble nests. Unless he has other symptoms of illness, this is not something to be concerned about.)

How to Care for a Male Betta Fish

A 5 gallon tank is an ideal choice for a male betta. While bettas can tolerate a smaller tank they will be happiest with more space to move around. Smaller tanks need to be cleaned more than larger tanks. A starter tank should be at least 2 gallons. Use a small tank heater to keep the water between 76 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Bettas are tropical fish and will do best within this temperature range. Use a water conditioner that dechlorinates the water when adding water to your betta tank. Provide some tank decor your betta can hide in. Use silk or live plants and smooth decorations that will not tear his delicate fins and tail. 

How to Tell The Difference Between Male and Female Betta Fish

Male Siamese fighting fish tend to be more aggressive than female Siamese fighting fish. They also have larger fins and tails. While the colors tend to be brighter and bolder on males, there are very beautifully colored females as well. This can make it difficult to differentiate between males and females. Female betta fish have an ovipositor tube between the ventral fin and the head. It is a small white spot. Females also tend to be stocky in comparison to males. Male bettas make bubble nests and guard the eggs until they hatch. Males also have a significantly larger beard membrane than females. While theirs is quite noticeable, you can barely see a female's opercular membrane.

What Do Male Betta Fish Eat?

Bettas need a high protein diet because they are carnivores. They eat brine shrimp, daphnia, tiny fish, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms in their natural habitat. Betta food pellets are the most readily available food for these tropical fish. These foods contain all the nutrients and vitamins you male betta fish needs. Choose a high quality pellet food. Avoid betta fish food that has corn or wheat as the first ingredient. Look for proteins to be the first ingredients. Use freeze dried bloodworms, shrimp, and daphnia as treats for your male betta. You can also feed live food, but there is a much higher potential for parasites and disease so be sure to choose a very reliable source. Do not overfeed your betta! Feed two to four pellets once or twice a day. 

Where to Buy Male Betta Fish for Sale

JV Betta Fish for Sale is the number one supplier of male betta fish for sale. We import, export, breed, and ship male bettas. JV Betta has live male betta fish for sale including male galaxy koi betta fish for sale, giant betta fish for sale, and male multicolor betta fish for sale. Our premium male betta fish for sale are healthy, stunning, and unique. Buy male betta fish for sale online at JV Betta!

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