orangenius orangenius Le Lundi 06 Juillet 2009 à 04:44 - édité Le Lundi 06 Juillet 2009 à 05:01
What's a betta anyway?
Bettas are known for their jewel-bright colors and spectacular fins. They have been referred to as the Siamese Fighting Fish because of the male betta’s extreme aggression towards fishes of the same kind. In their natural habitat, they are often found in rice paddies and small puddles so they can survive small bowls and jars. However, like all other fishes, they are best kept in aquariums with much space for them to swim around. Average Size: 2 ½ inches (not including the tail) Lifespan: Average of 2 years but may reach 4 with proper care Diet: Pellets are best as staple. Their natural food is mosquito larvae but brine shrimp, daphnia or chopped worms can be fed. They will accept tablet/frozen/freeze-dried food. Feeding: Feed small amounts twice daily. Make sure they can eat it in 3-5 minutes. Overfeeding can cause swimbladder disease and will foul the water easily. Housing: they must be able to breathe atmospheric air from the water’s surface. They prefer water with little or no current due to their long fins. Males should be housed individually in at least 2 litres of water or larger, as they thrive in larger habitats. Males can also be included in community tanks provided they are the only betta in the setup and it does not contain fin-nippers or fish that might resemble other betas. It is possible to house females together. Water temperature should range from 74 °F – 84°F. Tanks should never be placed in direct sunlight or in a drafty area. Signs of a healthy betta: Your betta is active and alert. He/she eats eagerly and reacts aggressively to outside stimulus. He/she should also show vibrant colors (although some strains show permanently dull color). Signs of illness: Loss of appetite, labored breathing, frayed/torn fins, spots/fungus on body or mouth, listlessness, staying at the bottom Common Diseases: Swimbladder Disorder, Fin Rot, Ich, Velvet, Slime Coat Disorder Prevention: Avoid crowded conditions. Avoid inducing fish stress. Maintain good water quality through regular water changes and adequate filtration. For more detailed information with caring for these aquatic butterflies, check out these sites put up by other bitten by the BettaBug: betta.fishjunkies.com/index.php