Bettas are one of the easiest pet fish to care for and are recommended for first-time fish owners. The amount of care that bettas require is low, and they are very entertaining.
It is entertaining to watch them swim around their aquarium. These popular fish have so much personality and unique appearance that they are no wonder they are popular.
This article will discuss the four main reasons why betta fish are so popular, as well as some common misconceptions about keeping a betta. Read on to find out!
What makes betta fish so popular? (4 reasons)
#1 Vibrant colors
The top reason Bettas are popular is their vibrant colors, ranging from deep blues, jet black, orange, royal purples, crimson red, and even pearlescent!
They are indeed gorgeous and unique to the point that it is hard to find two bettas that look exactly alike. Their beauty and prima donna personalities make bettas fun to own.
#2 Inexpensive to purchase
Bettas are one of the most affordable fish to buy and are sold in many popular pet stores.
However, it is best to visit a local specialty fish pet store if you are looking for a specific type of betta.
The most common type of betta will cost about $2, while other rare breeds of betta can cost up to $30. Do not let the $2 price range dissuade you; even the cheaper bettas are vibrant with full lavish fins.
#3 Low maintenance
Not only are bettas beautiful, but they are also low maintenance. For the first-time betta fish owner, no need to worry about high-maintenance care.
Originally, bettas come from Southeast Asia and often can be found in low-level rice paddies. They are hardy fish built to survive in even the harshest environments.
Though bettas are typically sold in tiny containers with barely much room for them to move around, they require a lot more room to move around and be comfortable.
At least a five-gallon aquarium with filtration is recommended.
#4 Easy to care for
Caring for a betta is very easy if they have an adequate aquarium to call home.
It is recommended to have a decent size tank with filtration and either silk or live plants as decorations. Their lavish fins and tail can get ripped apart with plastic plants.
Once a decent aquarium is in place, the most care that bettas will need is to be fed twice a day, 5 to 6 days out of the week.
Bettas can even go without food for two weeks and will not require a pet sitter if their owners plan to go on vacation for some time.
Fasting for bettas is even encouraged since it allows Bettas to properly digest their food.
Most popular types of betta fish
It might be hard to believe, but there are around 70 different types of betta species with varying colors, temperaments, and fin styles.
These are the most popular types of bettas that owners flock towards:
Dragon scale
Adequately named Dragon scale, these types of bettas do indeed look like tiny fish dragons.
Dragon scales are covered in thick white scales, and their vivid color can somewhat be seen underneath the scale and on their tail and fins.
Dragon scales tend to be on the smaller side, ranging anywhere from 2 to 3 inches. Though they are small in stature, they make up for it with their larger-than-life aggressive personality.
Crowntail
These royal bettas look like they were made to rule their aquarium with grace and aggression. All that is missing is their royal specter since their tail looks like a large crown extending from its tiny body.
Like the dragon scale, crowntails are about 2 to 3 inches long. However, their tails can grow up to be 3 times their body length!
Their fins are flowy and gorgeous but also fragile. To keep crowntails fins looking healthy, make sure there are not any sharp decorations in their aquarium.
Halfmoon
These ethereal bettas’ tails form a half circle as if representing different moon phases.
Halfmoons have been bred to come in various vivid colors and full, lush fins and tails. While swimming, it seems as though their fins and tail all connect to form a half-moon shape.
Black Orchid
One of the rarer types of bettas is the black orchid. Their fin shape is identical to the crown tail and has long, flowy fins and tail.
Black orchids are indeed black but with distinct red or iridescent undertones that make them stand out even more so.
Some black orchids even come with bright blue markings along their tails that look pretty striking as they swim around their tank.
Like their counterpart, black orchids also look quite regal with their splendid colors and impressive display.
Butterfly
Another highly sought-after betta is the butterfly. This bred of betta looks quite distinct from the rest because it typically comes in one solid vivid color that flares out into a much lighter color or altogether transparent one.
Butterfly bettas are unique, and it is interesting to see the background of their tank while looking at their translucent fins.
Veiltail
Veiltails are the most common type of betta that can easily be found in any fish pet store.
They are generally cheaper since their fins are not lavish or flowy, but despite this, veiltails are still shimmery and beautiful.
Due to not having such lavish fins, they are even hardier, and first-time pet owners will not have to worry so much about their fins and tails getting caught or ripped apart by decorations.
Veiltails are recommended for first-time Betta owners since they are easier and hardier than the rest of their brethren.
Common misconceptions about these popular fish
Bettas can live up to 5 years with proper care and diet, but due to common misconceptions, first-time owners can often make mistakes that shorten their life span.
However, these misconceptions can easily be fixed.
Misconception 1: Bettas prefer isolation
It is common knowledge that bettas are aggressive, and because of this aggression, most pet fish enthusiasts believe they should be kept isolated in their own aquarium.
Bettas are called Siamese fighting fish because they are very aggressive towards one another and will kill a competing male.
Though bettas are territorial, they are also social fish and can safely be kept in a tank with non-aggressive fish that do not resemble bettas.
Some fish that would make perfect roommates for your betta are feeder groupies, snails, neon tetras, and ghost shrimp.
If you intend to keep other fish with your betta, ensure there is plenty of space and hiding spots for your betta, or else they can become stressed out.
Stressed-out bettas can quickly become sick and lose their vibrant colors.
Misconception 2: They can be kept in a small space
Bettas are usually sold in tiny containers; unfortunately, some owners keep them in tiny glass globes or containers.
Though they will survive for a short time in these living conditions, bettas deserve and require more than that to live a full, happy life.
A minimum 5-gallon tank is the recommended size for just one betta with no other fish.
Rule of thumb: for every fish in addition to a betta, increase the aquarium size by another five gallons.
Misconception 3: Their tank does not require filtration
Bettas technically do not require filtration in their aquarium to survive if water changes are performed regularly to keep their space clean and full of oxygen.
However, constant water changes can cause bettas to stress. To keep your betta happy and thriving, invest in a gentle filtration system to keep their home clean and oxygenated.
Too strong of a filter can damage their lush fins. Try to place silk or live plants around the filter to further decrease a strong current.
Misconception 4: They do not need a heater
Bettas are tropical fish and require their environment to be kept at a constant temperature of 75 to 80 degrees.
They are cold-blooded creatures and need a heater to help regulate their body temperature. Anything below 75 degrees will stress and sicken your betta.
It is also not good for the water to get too hot. Do not place your aquarium near your home’s heater during the winter months or near a window during the summer months.
Keep their water temperature consistent with a balanced Ph level, and your Betta will be sure to live a happy life.
Conclusion
Bettas are popular not just because they are vibrant and beautiful but also because they are easy to care for and find in pet stores.
Starting at just a few dollars, a beginner pet fish owner can have a vibrant fish full of personality. Since they are hardy survivalists, they are more prone to last longer than other tropical fish.
If bettas have everything they need, such as adequate tank size, heater, and a diverse diet, they will make for fun fishy companions.
Enjoy your new prima donna; your betta will surely be entertaining, especially when they get mad and flare their gills at you!