The average betta fish lifespan when kept in aquariums is roughly three years. When in the wild, a Betta fish feeds on larvae and insects. and any recommendations to what I should do? The average betta fish life span is 3 to 5 years. So, he will find this interesting, and allow him to feel like he’s exploring some place new… it’s simply just think about what you would consider interesting, and exciting if you were a beta fish!!! Steps. Good care and a healthy diet can prolong the lifespan of your Betta. I learn something new all the time on my Bettas. 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. First, try using Nutrafin Betta Plus Tap Water Conditioner for Bettas. You are correct in that providing a stimulating and varied environment is excellent to keep your fish from being bored. He is lying on the bottom of the tank, struggles to swim to the top for food. If not, then you’ve got some work to do and you should definitely read our full betta care guide. Factors that Shorten Betta Fish Lifespan: A Betta that is surviving is quite different from one that is thriving. Learn how your comment data is processed. Betta Fish Lifespan : 3 - 5 years, possibly longer. Should I remove the seashell? However, stick to foods high in meats, fish, and shrimp. Your email address will not be published. You have to remember, in a lot of cases, they were raised in an environment that’s very detrimental to their health. Diet: is the betta fed an appropriate variety of food? The two most popular species of fish—bettas and goldfish—are at opposite ends of the spectrum. However, in captivity, with the right care, a betta can live up to 10 years. Good care and a healthy diet can prolong the lifespan of your Betta. Ruby and GA are veiltails, and I think Skye may be crowntail, but she’s still pretty small. Aquarium salt may also help for stress or swelling and slime coat activation. A fish that has grown up in subpar living conditions and isn’t healthy simply won’t live as long. I have two bettas in small bowls, have had them for a year and they don’t look very good. Take this seriously and do what it takes to give them the space they need. I have two baby girl Betta fish in a 5 gal. For any fish, poor water quality equals poor health. They have a short lifespan. Since then, he’s been himself again, although as I described above. In addition, it also helps your rumble fish heal from any scrapes or other exterior damages and thus increasing your betta fish lifespan. Article by Aquariadise. I just love this website! While betta fish are often sold in small bowls or plastic containers, these are not the ideal conditions for a betta fish to thrive. It should come as no surprise that purchasing a healthy fish from a reputable supplier will make a huge impact on the lifespan of your betta fish. Thoughts or suggestions?? Use tap water and make sure to use a (dechlorinator) water conditioner to make the water safe for a betta. Resting in the temporary housing is fine, but the betta needs to be acclimated to a new permanent habitat. No probably because as long as it is not direct light she should be fine. I just got a beautiful male Betta for my toddlers to watch. I am an intermediately experienced betta owner, however, this is my first try with a sorority tank. Do Betta Fish live longer in captivity or in the wild? Dealing with Velvet Shine a flashlight on your fish. I raised his water temp to 80 degrees, stopped feeding him fish pellets, now feeding him peas. He is in a 2.5-gallon tank with a filter. Ways To Help Them Live Longer Start With A Healthy Fish. Betta fish are carnivores and need a varied diet rich in protein. Would you clarify if I have a heater, then I must have a filter or no? 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. These stores will sell male bettas when they are approximately one year old, and female bettas when they are roughly six months old. He lays on his side and can’t upright himself. Lifespan In the wild. Make the right choice from the start. This makes tap water safe for your fighting fish. First, 10-gallons would be the minimum size for a sorority, and a 20-gallon long tank would be best. I never had any problems before I tried bloodworms, so I’ll never give him those agains. When you pick your Betta, it’s really important to choose one … There is so much conflicting advice out there, I just don’t know who to turn to anymore. 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!… : ). 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. While you can reverse some of the damage from living in small cups and coming from an uncertain past, you may never know the full story of their care or breeding. That’s amazing and definitely some of the oldest bettas I’ve heard of others caring for. The lifespan of a fighting fish depends on several factors. I have my betta in distilled water. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. We’re heard from new aquarists who have thought their betta died young when in reality it had an average lifespan. The life expectancy of your male Betta fish will rapidly decrease if you keep it … Love is beautiful. According to the Quick Tips inset, at least… Second, always inspect your … Keep Males Separate. If you care for your Bettas properly and provide them with a large tank for them to swim in – with proper water condition – they will live for 3 years on average. I’m not really able to spend a lot of money on them. The article gives an analysis of Betta Fish Lifespan. Many betta diets are very high in fat, which lazy betta fish just do not need. Usually, if nothing unforeseen happens, a Betta Fish will live about 2 … How to Breed Betta Fish. This one is cupcake 2. He has helped me so much with my depression. In the wild, Betta fish are carnivores and will eat any kind of insect. You could use the filter if you can slow the water coming into the tank enough, or you can use a sponge-filter setup as well which produces almost no current. Lifespan In the wild. Stick around, you'll learn a lot. I have to clean tank very frequently. This may seem shorter than that of Bettas in captivity because the competition in the wild makes things less certain for Betta fish. 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. Bettas should do well for over 3 years. Bulging eyes, faint colors, and any other external red flags will help give you a good idea. I have another female, Ruby, who has been in a 3 gallon tank alone with her snail for about a year or so and thought about adding her to the sorority tank, but I’m a little leary of how that may turn out. This is their home, and if they don’t have an adequate amount of space it will cause stress and negatively impact their health. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. When properly cared for betta fish have a lifespan of some 2-5 years in captivity. Maybe 5 years in really good living conditions with the best fish care possible. Provide rich and abundant food that’s high in protein and fiber. A good diet will help increase the growth rate, lifespan, and colors of the fish. Keep in mind that most pet store bettas are about 1 year old when you purchase them. So, how long do betta fish live really? Betta Life Span – Diet The diet of your betta fish also plays a major factor in extending betta life span. The average betta fish life span is 3 to 5 years. I hope it’s not the case and the swim bladder regulating returns for your betta, but yes they are prone to the issue more than the other betta varieties. It should come as no surprise that purchasing a healthy fish from a reputable supplier will... Focus On The Water Quality. This would give you more tank room to set up 2 automatic daily feeders. 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. Smaller tanks will also require more frequent cleanings because of their size, it’s simple math! They also need lots of spaces to hide and rest, while feeling safe. !… never ever!! A healthy individual in a clean tank usually lives for around three years. A 1 gallon would require daily water changes while maintaining a constant temperature which is extremely hard to do and leads to constant stress. Generally it’s important to feed your betta a diet that is diverse and contains variety. I also just purchased a brine shrimp breeding setup to hopefully provide nutritious live food. 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 … Betta fish live between 3-5 years in captivity. How long a betta can live is mostly based on the tank conditions in which they are kept. I have had him 2 years, got him out of a centerpiece from a wedding. Thank you in advance! This is a temporary habitat since cohabitation is tricky with females and other fish, and not possible with males. Again it’s only a 10-gal, but it’s heavily decorated with plants, a lounger, a cave, and a shell. Today, he had thawed frozen daphnia instead. The bloodworms could have initially caused the issue and maybe some level of swim bladder disorder which on occasion may never fully heal. I thought he had swim bladder disease at first. Most betta fish won’t even touch regular tropical fish flakes because this food is inadequate to their needs. Love your website . I should note also, that Ruby was in with another fish when I first got her and she kept her distance, but he kept chasing her and nipped a fin so I removed her immediately. A cloudy fish tank is something that no aquarist wants to see. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Is there anything I can do to help them that doesn’t cost a lot? All comments are moderated and will not be visible until they are approved. A full, healthy life is only possible in a cycled and heated tank. Some flaring behavior is beneficial, yes, but prolonged aggression can potentially cause too much stress. A Betta Fish can survive up to 2 weeks without food. However, it is not uncommon for well cared for bettas in an aquarium to live to 5+ years with scatter reports of them living to nearly 10 years. Also, there’s a good chance that males will injure each other due to their aggressive territorial nature. 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 The lifespan of a Betta fish relies on a proper diet. Being that they are picky eaters, finding the right food to make your betta happy can be difficult. I have two Bettas and a divided 2.5 gallon tank. Are you in agreeance? Fishkeepers should maintain a high level of care, as this will ensure the longest and happiest life for the fish. If you want the nitty-gritty you can read our betta fish care guide. I just want to say I cannot believe I have had my Betta named Red Bull for 9 years I repeat 9 years!! There are instances of a betta surviving for 9 years. 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. We’re not going to get into the exact parameters you need to be aware of in this post. The Betta fish, Siamese fighting fish, or betta as it’s known by its genus, is an elegant tropical freshwater fish that is popular as a pet and often housed in eclectic home aquariums. So before getting to know how to expand your fish’s lifespan, let’s take a quick look at the characteristics of betta. How Long Do Betta Fish Live? Hello! I have a female betta who is about 4 years old who got SBD and now she sinks like a rock as soon as she stops swimming ever since. A good diet will help increase the growth rate, lifespan, and colors of the fish. Their aggression should not put you off though – they are a colorful species with plenty of personality to keep you captivated. Getting back to the most important elements in a betta’s life expectancy, there are certain things you can do to help your betta fish live longer. All comments are moderated before going live. However, stick to foods high in meats, fish, and shrimp. But those are very exceptional instances. Ideal Betta Tank. Betta fish love is uniquely beautiful. After many attempts, they finally have viable offspring! Betta lifespan also depends on their diet. It’s best to pick females that are of the same size and age if possible. Your tasks for a betta with a long life starts before you even buy your fish. However, the fact is that they won’t thrive in those conditions. With that said, no I wouldn’t place Ruby in there with them. Hi, Bryan, On average, Bettas can live for between 3 – 5 years. What exactly is Betta Water? As a final recommendation, betta fish are tropical fish and require a steady warm water temperature in the range of 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, just because pet stores sell small tanks and bowls (e.g. If possible, purchase a betta from a local or online breeder like Aquabid instead of a pet or big box store. The oldest recorded betta was 10 years old. It’s nothing more than spring water really, maybe with some added stress coating for bettas depending on the brand. Wild betta live, on average, two years. This is especially true if they are under 2 gallons in size. The Betta fish in the wild has an average lifespan of 2 years. This means if your male betta lives for three years, you’ll probably have it for around two (males are sold later than females). Feed meaty foods to this carnivorous fish which loves eating insects. Also called Siamese Fighting Fish, bettas are very popular pets. Not only is it unsightly, it…, Many owners go into a panic when they see a Betta fish laying at the bottom of the…. I think my beta is dying. This is not the case. Diet of Crowntail Betta. They can be easy to care for, and, under the right circumstances, they can live for several years. Or is this actually enhancing his environment? 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? Thats a perfectly normal lifespan. This will also help them sleep, which impacts lifespan quite a bit. When I changed his tank yesterday, he was entire black, and for the last few days he had hidden in his tank house. One way to see velvet is to use a light directly on … For example, there’s no guarantee that they will be living in water conditions that are suitable for maximizing their lifespan. Like any animal, the lifespan of a betta fish can be drastically impacted by the quality of its living conditions. You want your fish to be happy and healthy so they can live as long as possible. This is the second most important piece of the puzzle if you want to maximize the lifespan... … Any advice would be so helpful! The average lifespan of Betta fish, or betta splendens, is 2 to 4 years in captivity, for both males and females. 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. In order to extend betta fish life, you need a happy and healthy betta. How Long Do Betta Fish Live In Captivity? Yes, in most cases bettas do live longer in captivity. How long a Betta fish can go without food depends on various factors, such as the fish’s age and overall health. We felt that this was an important thing to point out just to help manage expectations for any new owners. Make sure you are feeding an appropriate betta diet around 35% protein. Most pet stores supply 1 … The average betta fish lifespan can swing by at least a year depending on if they have a suitable home or not. It’s always unclear how they have been cared for when coming from suppliers, and unknown breeders. Of course, don’t let them starve like that if you want to improve their lifespan. You should also clean your betta's tank and water regularly so it doesn't get sick. They don’t ask for much from us really… they do recognize you, and they do recognize what you say, or, show them… like the bottle of food pellets they see every day… they know it’s breakfast, or, dinner when they see the bottle… I taught my beta to come to me on command for their meals when I tap my finger on the rim of their bowl… don’t mind the bowl reference they move from their “condos”, to the mansion next month… I have the list of everything I need to buy for the big move, and am just as excited as my fish will be, once they get to move in!… : ), I make sure to rotate the five of them, so, each one gets a few days to spend playing with mommy… meaning their bowl is nearest to me, and I play hide and seek with them… or, pretend to scratch their tummies… I hold out the palm of my hand for them to pretend to sit on… as it’s as close as they will get to do this…. On average, they can live around 3 years. Generally they live 2-3 years but this is not carved in stone. Bryan is the founder of bettafish.org and has been keeping and caring for betta fish for 10 years. If a betta is cared for they can live five years or even longer. One past away at 10 another at 11 and i still have an oldest at 13 years of age. 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). If you already knew the information above, then good for you! Hello! With the right knowledge and passion, you can certainly expect your betta fish to live for 2-3 years. Avoid abrupt temperature changes and avoid colder temperatures at all costs. or is that normal betta fish behavior? Very informative thank you. In the wild, betta fish have abundant access to prey and are active carnivores (insectivores to be exact). The ones you […] Generally, betta fish will live for 3 to 5 years. You should take note though that the Betta fish you see being sold in fish stores are usually from breeders. Average Lifespans, Betta fish live in the wild, on average, 2 years, Betta fish live in captivity, on average, 3 years, High-quality food, that’s high in protein and fiber, Habitat size of 5 gallons (2.5 gallons minimum), Tank cover to prevent leaping out to their death, Tap water with water conditioner to remove harmful chlorine, Consistent water changes, cycling, and cleanings, Filtration to oxygenate and remove ammonia and bad bacteria, Heater to maintain 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit water temperature, Allow easy access to the water’s surface for air. Make sure your tank has a top on it too because betta fish are jumpers and often leap right out of a bowl leading to their death. You are correct, all you need is tap water with a conditioner (as long as your tap water is okay). I took the light away from my beta tank. If you love your pet Betta fish and want to increase its lifespan then look at the nutritional need of your little buddy. 35. There are instances of a betta surviving for 9 years. How long a betta can live is mostly based on the tank conditions in which they are kept. I am confused about that. Due to their short lifespan, breeding starts within a … On the other hand, as much as 6 years can be quite possible. In the wild, native to areas like Cambodia and Thailand, the betta inhabits rice paddies and still watered canals. Yay, I’m doing it right! Our Betta fish, Zsa Zsa recently died, and I am wondering what their expected life span is? Moreover, you are provided with the best tips for enhancing the lifespan of this vivacious fish. Can a Betta fish live in a jar? They are extremely hardy fish and will survive conditions that would kill other specie. However, there have been rare accounts of some Bettas living for up to 10 years. Happy and Healthy Bettas for Extending Your Betta’s Lifespan. Let us continue reading, Lifespan of a Betta Fish … Your tasks for a betta with a long life starts before you even buy your fish. 1 gallon) this is not the correct habitat for them. 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. It also enhances the growth rate of Betta fish. Don't fret if your betta is changing colors. Its diet required fiber and protein. The common misconception that these fish don’t live for a long time is due to the fact of tank and living variables. Sure, you can simply find the average betta fish lifespan below and be on your way. In order to extend betta fish life, you need a happy and healthy betta. Generally, the Betta fish that we see in pet shops are six months old. (The adults LOVE the mosquitos that I catch for them! Which means they need visual stimulation daily… if their next bowl over beta male can share “display” time with one another great! Another factor that affects males, in particular, is their highly aggressive and territorial natures.In fact, they were nicknamed ‘Siamese Fighting Fish’ for this reason. I am feeding him 2 tiny pellets twice a day, morning and night. !… no a beta doesn’t want to be kept in a cup alone!! This is my first experience with bettas, I have only raised cichlids — I am sooooo impressed with these fish! That’s quite a wide potential age range and there are a number of reasons for this. My Archie is 3 years old and I love him more than ANYTHING! Thank you for your help! That is only the general estimation, and it can vary widely. They are carnivores in nature and require a high dosage of protein to survive. However, in general, smaller fish have a shorter lifespan than larger fish, and fish that lay eggs live longer than those that give birth to live young. Do Betta Fish live longer in captivity or in the wild? They don’t live beyond 2-4 years. Avoid overfeeding them, because it can lead to complications too. Further, if anything unclear, FAQs will clear your doubts at the end of this article. Anything else I can do? Ive had a couple people joke that i run a betta retirement centre. There are a number of reasons for this but they all have to do with the additional stressors and difficulties that they will face. You now know the answer to the question “how long do betta fish live” along with the various factors that can impact their lifespan. Many factors affect the lifespan of a betta fish. The giant betta (Betta anabantoides) is a type of freshwater ray-finned fish in the Macropodusinae subfamily, part of the gourami family.It is native to southern Kalimantan, the Borneo region of Indonesia. Betta fish love is uniquely beautiful. When other males come into a male Betta’s space, they will start fighting, which can decrease their lifespan … Of course, don’t let them starve like that if you want to improve their lifespan. He is smart and funny AF!!! Generally, the life expectancy of your domesticated betta fish is going to be around 3 years. How to Ensure your Betta Fish Lives as Long as Possible Buying your Fish. For weeks now, he has had trouble staying down, and although swimming actively, eventually floats right back up to the surface. He’s in a 5 gallon Fluval Chi with lots of rocks, sand, a cave, and anya for hiding. Perhaps so they have something longer than a few months to shoot for, I don’t know. Initially it was worse, and I fasted him 3 days and then fed him 1/4 pea. Often times a new hobbyist doesn't know about the nitrogen cycle, water changes, proper tank setup and the foods they should be feeding them which causes disease issues and shortened lifespans. Another leading cause to reduced lifespans is poor water quality. He is thinner and losing his color. It’s always tough for me to answer this type of question but I will give you some general advice so you can make and educated decision and plan of action. The … With the right genetics, environment, and care from the onset of a betta’s life, they can live up to 6 or 7 years or more. 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 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. An Optimal Diet Can Extend Your Betta’s Life Span. The biggest dietary risk to bettas is overfeeding. GREAT information Bryan. This may seem shorter than that of Bettas in captivity because the competition in the wild makes things less certain for Betta fish.