How long do betta fish live as a pet?

Do bettas get lonely?

Do They Get Lonely? Betta fish are naturally territorial and should not be housed with any other betta fish because they will fight and injure each other, often resulting in death. They are unlikely to get lonely in their tank; however, if they are in a small tank, they may get bored.

How old are the betta fish at Petsmart?

Because a Betta purchased at a pet shop is often one year old already. Males, in particular, are allowed to fully mature, so their fins and colors are well developed. Females may be sold at a bit younger age, but they will generally be at least six months old when offered for sale.

How long do betta fish live as a pet? – Related Questions

Is it cruel to keep bettas?

In the cruel pet trade, betta fish (aka “Siamese fighting fish”) are fighting for their lives. Pet shops, discount superstores, florists, and even websites sell bettas who are forced to live in minuscule cups, small bowls, and even flower vases.

How often do you feed a betta fish?

It is recommended to feed your betta fish two to four pellets, once or twice per day. Pellets expand when placed in water and are very filling for your betta fish. Freeze-dried or fresh food can be substituted for their pellet feeding 1 to 2 days per week.

Can bettas live 7 years?

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. Several owners have even reported lifespans of 9 and 10 years, but that’s not realistic for every betta.

Can a betta live 8 years?

Betta fish, on average, live about 2-3 years when given average care. With excellent care, and a little luck, your betta can live as long as 9 years. 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.

Can betta fish live on 8 years?

Betta fish can live for anywhere from 2 to 8 years, depending on their environment and care. In the wild, Betta fish typically live for 2-3 years. However, in captivity, they can live much longer – up to 8 years or even more.

How do bettas act when they are dying?

Common Betta fish behaviors before death are lethargy, fading color, and increased stress. Prolonging your Betta’s lifespan can be made possible by paying close attention to your Betta’s behavior and taking your fish to a certified fish veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

How do you know your betta is getting old?

The Signs and Symptoms of Old Age in Betta Fish
  1. Has Fading Colors. Our hair color fades with old age, and so do scales.
  2. Stops Making Bubble Nests (If He Ever Did)
  3. Takes Frequent Naps.
  4. Has Ragged/Curling Fins.
  5. Has an Appearing and Disappearing White Dot.
  6. Misses Food.
  7. Slims Down.
  8. Lower the Water.

How can you tell a bettas age?

Scales and Fins

Healthy adult bettas have long fins, while younger bettas have tiny ones. If your betta has beautiful flowing fins that look nice when swimming, it’s a good sign that it’s young and healthy. However, seeing tiny tears on your fish’s flowing fins shows that it’s reached old age already.

Do bettas recognize their owners?

They quickly learn to recognize their human companions, they know when feeding time is, and they get excited when you approach their aquarium.

Do betta fish know they are in a tank?

Betta Fish Bonding With Their Owner

Bettas are also known to have good memories and can remember people despite not seeing them for several weeks or more. They can also remember the layout of their tank and will remember where plants and decorations were before you moved them.

Do bettas like light on or off?

Bettas like light so that they know when to wake up and prefer a darker environment to sleep in. You may have an aquarium light on your tank and if so, it is probably best for you to turn this on when you wake up in the morning and turn it off just before bedtime.

Is it OK to touch a betta fish?

Betta fish should rarely, if ever, be petted. It’s not good to pet them, as it may remove their natural slime coating, making them prone to certain diseases. Also, never touch them with dirty hands, as bacteria can easily be transmitted through direct contact.

Should I leave my bettas light on at night?

Do Betta Fish Need Light at Night? No. In fact, it’s not healthy to do this. Bettas, like most other animals, need light and darkness to stay physically and mentally well.

How often should I change my betta’s water?

But the short version is that small water changes of 10-20% once every 7-10 days are best for your betta’s health. This is also assuming you are running a filter. You can also do water changes of 20-30% once every 2-3 weeks, but smaller water changes are better for stable water conditions!