Caring for Bettas
The betta originated in South East Asia, found in stagnant bodies of water or rice paddies. They developed special organs called labyrinths that allow them to breath atmospheric air due to lack of oxygen in the water.
Male bettas can't be kept together, they will fight, and death could result. Males and females can be kept together if there are more then 1 female. Most of the time it is very easy to tell the difference between males and females, the males have very long fins and are brightly colored, the females have shorter fins and are duller in color.
Place them in a spot that does not get direct sunlight and does not get hot (i.e. television, cable box, stereo, etc..). Their location should have a stable temperature of 70º-80º or a aquarium heater may be used. The temperature in the tank should not vary more than 2º in a 24 hour period. The preferable pH is between 6.8 and 7.4. Their average life span is about 2 years.
I have found that my fish do very well on frozen blood worms and brine shrimp, with a frozen vegetable mixed into it. Although bettas will eat freeze dried food, frozen food, special "Betta Diets" and flake foods. If live food is used it should be supplemented with a vegetable flake food to avoid blockages. They should be fed twice a day about as much as they will eat in 5 minutes. If over fed they will not be able to eat it and it will fowl the water faster, requiring more frequent water changes.
They should be kept in a container that is 1/2 a quart or larger. There water should be changed when it looks dirty, if kept in a 1/2 quart jar then about 2 times a week. Water straight from the faucet should never be used, let the water sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
