When a lot of people research how long betta fish live they’re under the assumption that they’ll have their fish for their entire life. However, on average they’re going to live for about 3 years. Most pet stores supply 1 … Thoughts or suggestions?? I just love this website! It get enough natural light. Some say 3-4 years, while some say 4-6 years. This means you should never have them share a tank with fish that aren’t a good match. I learn something new all the time on my Bettas. 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. Betta fish have developed something of a reputation for being short lived when kept as pets. I have to clean tank very frequently. Extended time in temperatures colder than recommended (less than 68 degrees) can hurt a betta’s natural immune system and lead to inactivity, refusal to eat, and susceptibility to diseases and death. Aquarium Source is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Steps. I am feeding him 2 tiny pellets twice a day, morning and night. The typical betta fish life span is 2 to 3 years. No probably because as long as it is not direct light she should be fine. If you love your pet Betta fish and want to increase its lifespan then look at the nutritional need of your little buddy. You can also add a lot of live plants or real driftwood can help, or lastly, they do have products that lower pH that you can find online or at your local pet store. Which means they need visual stimulation daily… if their next bowl over beta male can share “display” time with one another great! Hi so my fish like sleeping in the day time and likes to lay far away from plants.is she ok? I just set up a 10 gal planted tank for a breeding pair that currently live in a 4 gal. To do better? This type of fish is a carnivore. 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 Betta Fish Types Betta Fish Care Colorful Fish Tropical Fish Freshwater Aquarium Fish Fish Aquariums Green Iguana Betta Tank Different Fish. The lifespan of a Betta fish relies on a proper diet. Many stores don’t sell the Bettas till they are 6-10 months of age so that they will have the long, flowing fins and strong, rich colors that would attract buyers. I have had Brawny for about 2 years and want to have him around for a lot longer. However, much of this reputation is likely based on improper care over the years. I should note he’s a doubletail, and I’ve read they are prone to such issues. You’ll notice that your betta is much more active and has a shinier color if his diet … I have made many changes but nothing is working. Under the right conditions, betta fish can live between 2 and 3 years. In reality, most fish stores sell bettas after they’re six months to a year old. It’s always unclear how they have been cared for when coming from suppliers, and unknown breeders. The key to achieving the longest possible life for your Betta fish is to provide the most beneficial natural environment as possible. Although the Betta’s natural habitat is in streams, rice paddies, ponds, and … Everywhere I’ve read says to have a minimum of 3 females in a sorority tank. Use tap water and make sure to use a (dechlorinator) water conditioner to make the water safe for a betta. The average betta fish lifespan when kept in aquariums is roughly three years. As a final recommendation, betta fish are tropical fish and require a steady warm water temperature in the range of 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit. Is there anything I can do to help them that doesn’t cost a lot? However, before you get too anxious, you should note that Bettas are resilient and can survive up to almost two weeks without food . The average betta fish lifespan can swing by at least a year depending on if they have a suitable home or not. So, how long do betta fish live really? 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. In such a small habitat, their life span is usually reduced. Also, there’s a good chance that males will injure each other due to their aggressive territorial nature. This is not the case. This is known as marbling and happens in most betta splendens. If your betta fish lives a year or two from the time of purchase, you have likely still been a good fish mom or dad. Make sure you water is clean, try performing a 25% water change daily for 4-7 days and see if things improve. Sororities can be tough…so always have a backup plan to remove one if they are just too aggressive for the pack. Can I just change out to treated tap water or is there a process? I think my beta is dying. But those are very exceptional instances. I’m happy to hear the first two are doing well. (The adults LOVE the mosquitos that I catch for them! When properly cared for betta fish have a lifespan of some 2-5 years in captivity. Betta Fish Lifespan : 3 - 5 years, possibly longer. Thank you! When properly cared for betta fish have a lifespan of some 2-5 years in captivity. I have my betta in distilled water. I thought he had swim bladder disease at first. 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 … 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. When I changed his tank yesterday, he was entire black, and for the last few days he had hidden in his tank house. Betta fish love is uniquely beautiful. If you love your pet Betta fish and want to increase its lifespan then look at the nutritional need of your little buddy. Fish in general don’t have a rather lengthy life expectancy and most species of fish don’t live long out in the wild either. Anything else I can do? The average betta fish life span is 3 to 5 years. This is the second most important piece of the puzzle if you want to maximize the lifespan... … I’d recommend a larger tank if you have two betta’s. lately, I been noticing my betta just sitting in the corners in his tank and I would sometimes see him swim around the tank in circles… should I be concern? After many attempts, they finally have viable offspring! Do Betta Fish live longer in captivity or in the wild? Moreover, you are provided with the best tips for enhancing the lifespan of this vivacious fish. Your email address will not be published. Ways To Help Them Live Longer Start With A Healthy Fish.   Keeping the water clean by performing frequent water changes will help, especially if your Betta is kept in an non-aerated aquarium. When you speak or tap the tank come up to say hello. Lifespan of Siamese Fighting Fish. One past away at 10 another at 11 and i still have an oldest at 13 years of age. In their natural habitat, Crowntail Betta usually feeds on insects and larvae. As such, the exact lifespan of your Betta will depend on the particular fish you have. !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. Generally they live 2-3 years but this is not carved in stone. The two most popular species of fish—bettas and goldfish—are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Betta Life Span – Diet The diet of your betta fish also plays a major factor in extending betta life span. !… at least in some pet shop displays, they can see each other… but!!! First, 10-gallons would be the minimum size for a sorority, and a 20-gallon long tank would be best. Resting in the temporary housing is fine, but the betta needs to be acclimated to a new permanent habitat. Usually, if nothing unforeseen happens, a Betta Fish will live about 2 … Today, he had thawed frozen daphnia instead. You have to remember, in a lot of cases, they were raised in an environment that’s very detrimental to their health. 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. Yet given the predisposition of betta keepers for the epic fail it might be good to at least cover the 17 top ways to kill your betta fish… The average betta fish lifespan for male and females is 2-4 years in captivity. Betta fish can be feisty and territorial, which can obviously cause problems if you’re trying to maximize their lifespan. 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. But don't overfeed it, as too much food can cause fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), which can shorten your Betta's life span. There is so much conflicting advice out there, I just don’t know who to turn to anymore. But now I guess comfortable has a leaf that it lays on a lot of the day. The temperature remains at a steady 78 degrees. Of course, don’t let them starve like that if you want to improve their lifespan. The ones you […] It’s best to pick females that are of the same size and age if possible. 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 will also help them sleep, which impacts lifespan quite a bit. 3. The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), also known as the betta, is a freshwater fish native to Thailand (formerly Siam) and present in neighboring Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam.While colloquially known and marketed in the global aquarium trade as the "betta", it is one of 73 species in the genus Betta. How Long Do Betta Fish Live In Captivity? 2. Plus one 10 gallon. This may seem shorter than that of Bettas in captivity because the competition in the wild makes things less certain for Betta fish. Of course, don’t let them starve like that if you want to improve their lifespan. Love your website . 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. Keep in mind that most pet store bettas are about 1 year old when you purchase them. Looks like I need to add a heater too though. This will help to keep the tank’s water temperature consistent. If you are going to keep them healthy in the meantime, you should at the minimum do daily 10-20% water changes in the bowls. Dealing with Velvet Shine a flashlight on your fish. 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. And i’ll tell ya he is never slow to get his food. These stunningly gorgeous fish with flaring veil tails and bright colors are fun to watch for folks of all ages. This often leads to betta keeping before doing the proper research on how to care for them. When in the wild, a Betta fish feeds on larvae and insects. To help a betta fish live longer, feed it a healthy diet that consists of live food, betta pellets, and frozen fish food. First one had a lot of personality. A betta fish’s lifespan will almost always be significantly reduced if you house them in unfiltered and unheated bowls. When a betta fish purchased at a pet store, it is usually fully mature. The recommended habitat size for a betta fish is 5 gallons, with a minimum recommended tank size of 2.5 gallons. Since then, he’s been himself again, although as I described above. Learn more. You should take note though that the Betta fish you see being sold in fish stores are usually from breeders. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Hello! 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. Feed meaty foods to this carnivorous fish which loves eating insects. You can also use trusted quality spring water or a filtration unit like a Brita for tank fill ups and water cycling. Lifespan of Crowntail Betta. Here’s a video showing a quick recap on the betta fish lifespan. Also be very careful buying baby bettas labeled females from fish stores because sometimes they are mis-labeled and turn out to be males. I just want to say I cannot believe I have had my Betta named Red Bull for 9 years I repeat 9 years!! Is there a way to use an automatic Betta feeder where both fish can be fed daily? This makes tap water safe for your fighting fish. It’s nothing more than spring water really, maybe with some added stress coating for bettas depending on the brand. I have two baby girl Betta fish in a 5 gal. Generally, betta fish will live for 3 to 5 years. I never had any problems before I tried bloodworms, so I’ll never give him those agains. This will affect how long you have them. Betta fish are carnivores and need a varied diet rich in protein. The average lifespan of Betta fish, or betta splendens, is 2 to 4 years in captivity, for both males and females. Because what they do when they get tired, or, board of displaying is, to simply take a short power nap… it’s true watch your beta and learn! 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. A 25% weekly water change was recommended. Because there are so many myths about the proper care for this species in captivity, their life spans are drastically reduced and almost always cut in half. The Betta fish in the wild has an average lifespan of 2 years. 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…. Maybe 5 years in really good living conditions with the best fish care possible. The other one is limited also but not quite as bad. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is their home, and if they don’t have an adequate amount of space it will cause stress and negatively impact their health. You would be blown away if you knew how many times we get asked: “how long do betta fish live?”. Let us continue reading, Lifespan of a Betta Fish … How long a betta fish will live depends on a variety of factors though. Hi, Bryan, The Betta fish in the wild has an average lifespan of 2 years. 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. When I purchased my girls, the store only had 2 baby girls so I got them and put them in their 10 gal tank together and it’s been about 3 or 4 weeks and they are doing amazing together! The lovely and experienced fish keepers at my LFS advised that any filter would be too strong for that amount of water, so just to make sure his water changes are good. Should I remove the seashell? Betta fish are carnivores and need a varied diet rich in protein. 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. I thought though that in order for you to have a heater in the water, you need a filter so the temperature is mixed and one part of the tank doesn’t get too warm? In the wild, native to areas like Cambodia and Thailand, the betta inhabits rice paddies and still watered canals. That’s amazing and definitely some of the oldest bettas I’ve heard of others caring for. Most importantly, in terms of both a betta’s lifespan and its general health, is the … In the wild, the average betta fish lifespan won’t be quite as long as in an aquarium. How to Breed Betta Fish. Do be careful, however, in allowing them to see each other constantly like that because if non-stop flaring happens it can be very stressful. Some betta fish are more resilient than others though. Make the right choice from the start. 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. If necessary, purchase a small (e.g. Avoid overfeeding them, because it can lead to complications too. I raised his water temp to 80 degrees, stopped feeding him fish pellets, now feeding him peas. Smaller tanks will also require more frequent cleanings because of their size, it’s simple math! To keep a fish tank running for a decade or longer, you’ll have to keep replacing fish that die out naturally. Has he calmed down around it yet? I breed bettas as well as run a fish rescue program. All comments are moderated before going live. 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. Yay, I’m doing it right! How Long Do Betta Fish Live In Aquariums? Also, you will get general facts about Betta fish in captivity and the wild. An Optimal Diet Can Extend Your Betta’s Life Span. Ideal Betta Tank. If not, then you’ve got some work to do and you should definitely read our full betta care guide. He lays on his side and can’t upright himself. This would give you more tank room to set up 2 automatic daily feeders. You want your fish to be around as long as possible, and knowing this will help you make that happen. We have such a bond, and I want to ensure he has the best and longest life he possibly can. While betta pellets are a great start, you should also be incorporating freeze-dried, frozen, or live bloodworms and brine shrimp to really get all of the nutrients they need. Ideally, a 10 gallon divided tank so each fish has 5 gallons on each side. 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. Betta Fish: Care Guide, Lifespan, Facts And Compatibility. He is smart and funny AF!!! Many factors affect the lifespan of a betta fish. Would you clarify if I have a heater, then I must have a filter or no? And really, it makes total sense. This is the average lifespan. 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. 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!… : ). It is present in several freshwater habitats and is a paternal mouth-broader. These stores will sell male bettas when they are approximately one year old, and female bettas when they are roughly six months old. They are just like other intelligent animals, with displaying as one of their hardwired behaviors… hey he displays to show off to the guys, and to attract a female!! 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. 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? The oldest reported betta lived to be 10 years old, and that is what we all should strive for when we want to extend our betta’s lifespan. Ruby and GA are veiltails, and I think Skye may be crowntail, but she’s still pretty small. A cloudy fish tank is something that no aquarist wants to see. 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). A healthy diet can also improve the color of this fish. 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. Like any animal, the lifespan of a betta fish can be drastically impacted by the quality of its living conditions. Make Sure You Buy a Healthy Betta. You may also choose to feed your betta dried bloodworms or brine shrimp. When she's not writing about fish you can find her hiking, swimming, and doing yoga. Keep your betta fish’s tank clean and consider using a filter to reduce ammonia, nitrites, and nitrites. The fish are in various species and the main difference between them is the colors and tail shapes – the commonest are Veiltail Betta and Crowntail Betta. On average, Bettas can live for between 3 – 5 years. They are extremely hardy fish and will survive conditions that would kill other specie. Can a Betta fish live in a jar? Your tasks for a betta with a long life starts before you even buy your fish. They don’t live beyond 2-4 years. Of course, one factor is how old your betta fish was when you bought it. How to Ensure your Betta Fish Lives as Long as Possible Buying your Fish. We felt that this was an important thing to point out just to help manage expectations for any new owners. However, stick to foods high in meats, fish, and shrimp. Diseases from this can harm your betta and often lead to death from poor water quality. Some flaring behavior is beneficial, yes, but prolonged aggression can potentially cause too much stress. Bryan is the founder of bettafish.org and has been keeping and caring for betta fish for 10 years. He’s still his sweet, happy and social self, but when I see him float onto his side, I get nervous. Do right by them, and they’ll be around for you to enjoy for quite a while! They also need lots of spaces to hide and rest, while feeling safe. Being that they are picky eaters, finding the right food to make your betta happy can be difficult. The typical betta fish life span is 2 to 3 years. Based on what I know of, a betta fish's lifespan is 4-5 years in captivity. That’s awesome Barbara, aren’t betta fish the best? We’re not going to get into the exact parameters you need to be aware of in this post. Bettas should do well for over 3 years. Provide rich and abundant food that’s high in protein and fiber. One way to see velvet is to use a light directly on … Fishkeepers should maintain a high level of care, as this will ensure the longest and happiest life for the fish. Can you advise me on water changes and feeding? In the wild, Betta fish are carnivores and will eat any kind of insect. However, we highly encourage you to take a second to learn about the factors that can influence how long they live. This is my first experience with bettas, I have only raised cichlids — I am sooooo impressed with these fish! 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. www.piscespros.com - Ever wonder why most pet betta fish only live for 1 year or less when their natural lifespan is 2-3 years? 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. 35. But he doesn’t eat food on the bottom just on rocks, sides of the tank. You can find individuals for roughly $5, but this price will double depending on the store and type of Betta fish. That is only the general estimation, and it can vary widely. You want your fish to be happy and healthy so they can live as long as possible.