When it comes to Betta’s, the Female Betta Fish are often overlooked. Not as flashy as their male counterparts, it’s really a shame.
Female Betta fish have a lot to offer! They are easy to care for and are a blast to interact with. They are one of my favorite fish.
I decided to put together this Female Betta Fish care guide to highlight this amazing fish.
Female Betta Fish Quick Reference Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Betta splendens |
| Size | 2-2.5 inches (5-6.4 cm) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Natural Habitat | Slow-moving waters |
| Temperature | 76°F – 81°F (24°C – 27°C) |
| pH Level | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Dietary Habits | Carnivore |
| Behavior Traits | Relatively peaceful |
Female Betta lifespan, size and coloring
Female Betta Fish live on average 3 to 5 years. With proper care that includes good nutrition, a clean tank and plenty of space, some bettas can live even longer.
Females usually get to a length of about 2.25 inches (5.7 cm). They make friendly inhabitants of a small to medium-sized aquariums, but remember the more space you give, the better it is for their well-being and comfort.
The fins run slightly shorter than those of the male in length. They have a unique flow and grace about them. With very curious personalities, they are known to explore their tanks and watch their keepers as they walk back and forth!
I have had Female Betta fish that come to the surface and let me pet them!
Recommended Water Parameters
Ideal water parameters are important for the health and well-being of your Betta fish.
Temperature: Female Betta fish are warm water fish, so the temperature in the tank should be between 76°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C). Keep pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water parameters will replicate her natural habitat, preserving vibrancy in coloration and the overall health of the fish. Regular testing and a slight adjustment, when necessary, will make your Betta happy and healthy.
Ammonia levels should be kept at 0 ppm. Even in small quantities, ammonia remains toxic to Female Betta fish. Nitrates are much less toxic but should remain below 20 ppm. This should not be a problem with an efficient filtering system and regular water changes.
Bettas prefer soft to moderately hard water between 3-4 dGH (50-100 ppm). If the tap water within your area exceeds these limits, you will need to use filtered water or mixes specifically designed for Bettas.
Recommended tank size and setup
A minimum tank size of 5 gallons is sufficient for a single female Betta fish. This will give your Betta enough room to swim and explore without a problem. While Bettas can live in a much smaller tank, a 5-gallon size (or larger) will allow for better quality of water and stability of the environment in which the fish lives.
Use a gentle filter so that the water is kept clean, and the currents are kept at a minimum. Betta fish prefer calm waters. Provide a lot of hiding spots to minimize stress. Some good options are aquarium plants, rocks, and ceramic shelters.
Soft lighting is preferred and simulates natural daylight cycles, contributing to your Betta’s overall wellbeing.
Diet and Feeding
Female Bettas are carnivorous fish and tend to feed on the larva of flying insects while out in the wild. In an aquarium, small amounts of high-quality Betta pellets or flake foods give all the nutrition needed to thrive. Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms are great for enhancing coloration.
Female Bettas should be fed only once or twice per day, giving them food in an amount that the fish would be able to consume in around two minutes. Overfeeding will lead to a poor water quality.
Breeding Betta Fish
Breeding Betta fish can be challenging and requires careful planning. The female betta should be in healthy condition.
Breeding includes placing her inside a breeding tank with a male betta. After building a bubble nest, the mating dance begins! It is very important to closely observe Betta behavior. In some situations, the female may need to be separated from the male right after spawning to avoid possible physical harm.
Common Health Issues and Solutions
Betta fish are susceptible to several diseases and health problems. Fin Rot, Ich, and Swim Bladder Disease are a few. Clean water, a stable temperature, and good diet are the form of prevention. If the condition is caused by bacteria, it is often treatable using clean water and an antibiotic.
On the other hand, Ich is another parasitic infection that presents white spots on the body of the fish. Treatment is carried out by slightly increasing the temperature of the water and treating with Ich medication.
Swim Bladder Disease is caused by overfeed and constipation. It can be treated by fasting the fish for several days or feeding peeled cooked peas to help clear the digestive tract.
Monitoring health and keeping a well-cleaned and well-conditioned tank keeps them healthy and happy!
