The article in brief
The betta splendens, an interesting fish that deserves special attention for its well-being in the aquarium. Here are the essential points:
- Ideal habitat 20-60 litre aquarium with cover, temperature between 24-28°C
- Suitable decor abundant plants and hiding places, gentle filtration
- A varied diet : diet carnivore with special granules and live feed
- Delicate cohabitation Territorial males: prefer calm companions such as blue neon
- Regular maintenance 25% weekly water change
Ah, the betta splendens ! What a captivating fish! I still remember the first time I saw one in our pet shop. Its bright colours and majestic fins captivated me straight away. Since then, I've never stopped advising our customers on the best way to care for these little aquatic gems. Let me guide you through the secrets of an ideal habitat for your fighter.
Creating the optimum environment for your betta splendens
Choosing the right aquarium
For starters, forget those tiny jars you see everywhere! Your betta deserves better than that. An aquarium of at least 15-20 litres is the bare minimum, but frankly, why settle for anything less? Personally, I always recommend a 20-60 litre tank. That gives you more room to create a real little aquatic paradise.
Don't forget the lid! These little rascals are real jumpers. One day, I found a betta on the pet shop floor. Luckily, it was rescued in time, but that was a lesson for me!
Controlling water parameters
Temperature is vital! Imagine yourself in a swimming costume in water at 15°C... Not so good, is it? It's the same for your betta. Heating is essential to maintain a temperature of between 24 and 28°C. As for the pH, aim for between 6.5 and 7.5. That's how they like it!
What about filtration? Yes, but gently! A low-flow filter will do the trick. Too much current and your betta will think it's running rapids. Not really his thing...
Creating the right décor
Think "aquatic jungle"! Plants, more plants and hiding places. I love using floating plants, as they reassure our little friends. Be careful with sharp decorations, though, as their beautiful fins are fragile. One day, a customer brought me back a betta with a torn fin from a sharp rock. Believe me, it wasn't a pretty sight.
Living together and daily care
The betta splendens: solitary or sociable?
Ah, cohabitation... a thorny issue! The betta is a bit like the Chuck Norris of aquarium fish. Territorial and sometimes aggressive, especially the males. Never, ever, put two males together, unless you want to recreate an aquatic version of 'Fight Club'.
That said, in a large aquarium, your betta can cohabit with a few calm fish. Here you go, blue neon is an excellent companion. They make a colourful duo that will brighten up any aquarium!
Power supply and maintenance
On the menu, the betta is a gourmet carnivore. Special pellets, live or frozen food, they love variety. Personally, I always enjoy watching them "chase" the little bloodworms I give them from time to time.
When it comes to maintenance, it's the same as for your flat: a little regular cleaning and everything's fine! A water change of 25% per week is usually enough. Believe me, it's the perfect opportunity to spend some Zen time with your aquarium!
Characteristics and reproduction
Did you know that betta breathe on the surface thanks to their labyrinth? It's captivating to watch them come up for a breath of air. As for reproduction, it's quite an art! The male builds a nest of bubbles at the surface. A real little architect!
Here is a small table summarising the needs of the betta splendens:
| Parameter | Ideal value |
|---|---|
| Aquarium size | 20-60 litres |
| Temperature | 24-28°C |
| pH | 6,5-7,5 |
| Lighting | 8-10h a day (moderate) |
A dream aquarium for your betta splendens
Now you're ready to welcome your betta splendens in the best possible conditions! Remember, these little South-East Asian jewels deserve all our care. With the right care, they can live up to 5 years, and even 10 years for the luckiest ones!
Don't forget that every betta has its own personality. I've seen shy bettas, and others who are downright showmen! Take the time to observe them and understand their habits. That's part of the fun of aquaristics.
So, are you ready to dive into the betta splendens adventure? Believe me, once you've created the perfect little ecosystem for your fighter, you won't be able to do without it. It's a real pleasure to see them flourish in the right environment. And who knows, maybe, like me, you'll end up making it your passion!
English 
French