Hello! If you want them to live as long as possible, make sure you give them the best possible environment and habitat that allows them to thrive. How long a betta can live is mostly based on the tank conditions in which they are kept. Should I remove the seashell? It’s always unclear how they have been cared for when coming from suppliers, and unknown breeders. That’s amazing and definitely some of the oldest bettas I’ve heard of others caring for. Stick around, you'll learn a lot. 35. How Long Do Betta Fish Live: Wild vs Captivity Betta fish live in the wild, on average, 2 years Betta fish live in captivity, on average, 3 years To keep a fish tank running for a decade or longer, you’ll have to keep replacing fish that die out naturally. Lifespan In the wild. Ideal Betta Tank. But he doesn’t eat food on the bottom just on rocks, sides of the tank. A fish that has grown up in subpar living conditions and isn’t healthy simply won’t live as long. In captivity, you need to replicate their environment as much as possible, and that means nutrition too. In their current conditions they are all fairly docile. Some say 3-4 years, while some say 4-6 years. Look for any concerning signs before you buy your fish. I thought when I bought them that they could be in a bowl but since then I’ve learned that they need more room and a heater. But now I guess comfortable has a leaf that it lays on a lot of the day. You have to remember, in a lot of cases, they were raised in an environment that’s very detrimental to their health. I just got a beautiful male Betta for my toddlers to watch. This is especially true if they are under 2 gallons in size. Smaller tanks will also require more frequent cleanings because of their size, it’s simple math! You could file and sand the divider a fraction lower for the food to be able to pass thru but not the fish, as a last resort also—it can’t be a sharp edge though so it might take some minimal thought. I use a spare turkey baster which makes it easy to suck up excess debris off the substrate. They are extremely hardy fish and will survive conditions that would kill other specie. I have had Brawny for about 2 years and want to have him around for a lot longer. We had him for around a year, and he gradually went from darker blue hues to a pure black. It’s best to pick females that are of the same size and age if possible. He is in a 2.5-gallon tank with a filter. or is that normal betta fish behavior? Hi Shannon, yes there truly is which is why I try my best to continue educating and responding to questions like yours. Take this seriously and do what it takes to give them the space they need. Usually, if nothing unforeseen happens, a Betta Fish will live about 2 … First one had a lot of personality. Bettas should do well for over 3 years. A healthy individual in a clean tank usually lives for around three years. Some aquarists said they kept a fighter for 6 years! Betta fish are extremely popular, so it’s only natural that new and potential owners want to know how long their fish will be around. In the wild, native to areas like Cambodia and Thailand, the betta inhabits rice paddies and still watered canals. !… no a beta doesn’t want to be kept in a cup alone!! Make sure you are feeding an appropriate betta diet around 35% protein. Thank you. When a betta fish purchased at a pet store, it is usually fully mature. Which might be why so many want to know the expected betta fish lifespan. But don't overfeed it, as too much food can cause fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), which can shorten your Betta's life span. Some betta fish are more resilient than others though. That is only the general estimation, and it can vary widely. The average betta fish lifespan can swing by at least a year depending on if they have a suitable home or not. Here’s a video showing a quick recap on the betta fish lifespan. There are different answers on this question about Betta Fish. Or is this actually enhancing his environment? Water conditions and maintenance (regular water changes and testing). Keep your betta’s water between 76 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, and use pH strips to keep the acidity of the water between 6.5 and 7.5. Georgia (who was already bigger) has grown to about twice the size of Skye and I’m worried if I add another fish Skye may become a target. I was going to use tap water with a conditioner but then I bought the heater (Bettatherm Mini Size Betta Bowl Heater) and it says use Only with Betta Water. Betta lifespan also depends on their diet. How to Breed Betta Fish. Dealing with Velvet Shine a flashlight on your fish. Betta Fish: Care Guide, Lifespan, Facts And Compatibility. The Siamese fighting fish lifespan depends on several factors. The lifespan of a fighting fish depends on several factors. First, 10-gallons would be the minimum size for a sorority, and a 20-gallon long tank would be best. He lays on his side and can’t upright himself. I don’t want him stressed all the time being territorial. Moreover, you are provided with the best tips for enhancing the lifespan of this vivacious fish. He is thinner and losing his color. He has helped me so much with my depression. 3. For example, there’s no guarantee that they will be living in water conditions that are suitable for maximizing their lifespan. 25 watt) heater with a built in thermostat for tanks 2.5 gallons and above. Factors Affecting Betta Fish Lifespan: 1. The typical betta fish life span is 2 to 3 years. Their aggression should not put you off though – they are a colorful species with plenty of personality to keep you captivated. He is lying on the bottom of the tank, struggles to swim to the top for food. Do Betta Fish live longer in captivity or in the wild? I have made many changes but nothing is working. And a smaller tank you have to change the water more frequently and when that happens the fish gets very stressed out and gets anxiety and that deals with its … The average lifespan of a betta fish in capvity is higher than in wild; depends on the genetics, living condition, tank mates, and the care. Under the right conditions, betta fish can live between 2 and 3 years. Reply from David C. Amazingly, betta fish live for 2 to 3 years on average. Keep Males Separate. As such, the exact lifespan of your Betta will depend on the particular fish you have. Tank is clean and filtered, spring water only. When properly cared for betta fish have a lifespan of some 2-5 years in captivity. The two most popular species of fish—bettas and goldfish—are at opposite ends of the spectrum. He has always preferred to spend most of his time at the top, but he doesn’t appear to have much of a choice these days. The recommended habitat size for a betta fish is 5 gallons, with a minimum recommended tank size of 2.5 gallons. The article gives an analysis of Betta Fish Lifespan. A good diet will help increase the growth rate, lifespan, and colors of the fish. In their natural habitat, Crowntail Betta usually feeds on insects and larvae. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. This was a very long question. Although it is claimed that with proper care, they may live even further, chances of seeing a Betta fish older than four years of age is extremely rare. Pet stores display betta fish in plastic cups because of their aggression and territorial nature. Not only is it unsightly, it…, Many owners go into a panic when they see a Betta fish laying at the bottom of the…. You’ll notice that your betta is much more active and has a shinier color if his diet … They can be easy to care for, and, under the right circumstances, they can live for several years. However, before you get too anxious, you should note that Bettas are resilient and can survive up to almost two weeks without food . You should take note though that the Betta fish you see being sold in fish stores are usually from breeders. Second, always inspect your … Betta Fish Lifespan : 3 - 5 years, possibly longer. Thank you! No probably because as long as it is not direct light she should be fine. In the wild, the average betta fish lifespan won’t be quite as long as in an aquarium. The oldest recorded betta was 10 years old. However, in captivity, with the right care, a betta can live up to 10 years. Make sure you know how to identify the sex of them, especially if one turns out to be a male so you can remove it. I never had any problems before I tried bloodworms, so I’ll never give him those agains. Hello! Hi so my fish like sleeping in the day time and likes to lay far away from plants.is she ok? We’re not going to get into the exact parameters you need to be aware of in this post. I breed bettas as well as run a fish rescue program. The average betta fish life span is 3 to 5 years. and any recommendations to what I should do? In captivity the average betta fish lifespan is about 3 years of age, but it is not unusual for them to live up to 5 years. This would give you more tank room to set up 2 automatic daily feeders. This is the most common lifespan of the fish. In addition, it also helps your rumble fish heal from any scrapes or other exterior damages and thus increasing your betta fish lifespan. One way to see velvet is to use a light directly on … You should take note though that the Betta fish you see being sold in fish stores are usually from breeders. Steps. Of course, one factor is how old your betta fish was when you bought it. Avoid abrupt temperature changes and avoid colder temperatures at all costs. I tried the pea thing but they didn’t eat it. You may also choose to feed your betta dried bloodworms or brine shrimp. The other one is limited also but not quite as bad. Very informative thank you. I have a lot of leaf hammocks and other debris at the surface for her to rest on and keep the tank’s water low so she can get to the surface for air. I learn something new all the time on my Bettas. One thing I was wanting to ask is? 2. A 1 gallon would require daily water changes while maintaining a constant temperature which is extremely hard to do and leads to constant stress. Ammonia builds up as your betta excretes waste into the water and as uneaten food and live plants break down. Males should never be in the same tank with other males, and other aggressive fish are to be avoided (here’s a more in-depth look). I have two Bettas and a divided 2.5 gallon tank. Another leading cause to reduced lifespans is poor water quality. You may also choose to feed your betta dried bloodworms or brine shrimp. !He has lived in a 1/2 gallon size fish bowl!I feed him when I remember every 3 or 4 days My kitties drink out of his home and never try to eat him.I have 4 by the way He has 2 small peace Lilly plants that float and grow in his environment and he has grown some sort of flower shape on his tail fin and like a turkey waddle under his chin .He is active and in great shape and beautiful and amazing and I love him and I have moved him in winter and summer jiggling around in my truck when I moved several times .I think he is 1 in a million Love your Betta.Laurie Feb 10 2019, Excellent article, very helpful. This is my first experience with bettas, I have only raised cichlids — I am sooooo impressed with these fish! In the wild, betta fish have abundant access to prey and are active carnivores (insectivores to be exact). Also called Siamese Fighting Fish, bettas are very popular pets. Perhaps so they have something longer than a few months to shoot for, I don’t know. He’s in a 5 gallon Fluval Chi with lots of rocks, sand, a cave, and anya for hiding. This means they may have been subjected to cramped environments, diseases, and parasites which can shorten their lifespan. For your primary question, it should only matter more in larger tanks where a heater might be in one area of the tank and not be able to adequately disperse to the rest of the tank. If you feel something is missing above, or have further questions about how long a betta fish can live for, or how to improve their life span, please leave a comment below. A healthy diet can also improve the color of this fish. I’m not sure how you would use only one as distribution would probably be inconsistent at the middle of the divider – falling on each side. For example, there have been reports of betta fish living for more than five years. With that said, no I wouldn’t place Ruby in there with them. So if your fish only lives a year or two after you purchase it, dont assume youve been a bad owner. Watch their life evolve from courtship, eggs, fry to adulthood in this glittering video. I also just purchased a brine shrimp breeding setup to hopefully provide nutritious live food. Betta fish have developed something of a reputation for being short lived when kept as pets. Many betta diets are very high in fat, which lazy betta fish just do not need. The Betta fish in the wild has an average lifespan of 2 years. Hi Cindy, if you have high pH tap water, I would recommend using spring water instead, although that may get expensive if you have that many tanks. After all I can’t fit in their bowls…lol, Make your beta’s days eventful, adventuress, fun, and you will laugh, and love your little beta boy even more then you thought you could, just cause he’s a fish, doesn’t mean there isn’t a bond of affection you can build with your little beta buddy… : ), Mine look forward to being with me, as much as I am with them… print different backgrounds to tape to the tank each day… etc… there are so many simple, easy things you can create, just use your imagination… your beta will love you for it!… : ). To help a betta fish live longer, feed it a healthy diet that consists of live food, betta pellets, and frozen fish food. You would be blown away if you knew how many times we get asked: “how long do betta fish live?”. Sounds like you’re doing an excellent job and yes the 10g would be easier to control, but not at the expense of potentially disrupting things if that’s what you’re worried about? Aquarium salt may also help for stress or swelling and slime coat activation. There are instances of a betta surviving for 9 years. (The adults LOVE the mosquitos that I catch for them! Bulging eyes, faint colors, and any other external red flags will help give you a good idea. I took the light away from my beta tank. I just set up a 10 gal planted tank for a breeding pair that currently live in a 4 gal. What exactly is Betta Water? To do better? — repleat with MY blood, lol.) Lifespan In the wild. He’s currently in what is technically a 3g bowl that fits a full 2.5 gallons of water, with the addition of his marbles and heater. A good diet will help increase the growth rate, lifespan, and colors of the fish. We have such a bond, and I want to ensure he has the best and longest life he possibly can. The bloodworms could have initially caused the issue and maybe some level of swim bladder disorder which on occasion may never fully heal. Lifespan of Crowntail Betta. How Long Do Betta Fish Live: If you want your betta to live a full, and healthy life, you need to help create a conducive environment. We felt that this was an important thing to point out just to help manage expectations for any new owners. So much personality…I am quite smitten. Betta fish live between 3-5 years in captivity. It could be age, however, you should consider a leaf hammock or lowering the tank’s water to help him be able to get to the surface easier for air, and consider adding an air pump to oxygenate the water if you have one.