Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish, are a colorful species of tropical aquarium fish. These fish are incredibly popular in the aquarium hobby and are fairly easy to raise as long as you maintain high water quality and a stable tank temperature.
General Tank Requirements
Siamese fighting fish are typically not picky when it comes to tank parameters, but there is a certain temperature range at which they are most likely to thrive. In their native environment, these fish are used to tropical temperatures, so a tank for Siamese fighting fish is best maintained at a temperature between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Like many species of fish, Siamese fighting fish are capable of tolerating slight changes in tank temperature but extreme changes could be problematic.
Breeding Tank Temperature
Like many species of tropical fish, Siamese fighting fish are best spawned in a tank separate from other fish to avoid problems with aggression and territoriality. A breeding tank for these fish should be maintained in a similar way to a traditional betta tank, though a slightly higher tank temperature may help to encourage spawning behavior. Keep your betta breeding tank at a temperature between 80 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and try to achieve a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
Fry Tank Temperature
Adult Siamese fighting fish are capable of tolerating a range of tank temperatures but young fry require warm, moist air in order to develop properly. Siamese fighting fish belong to the Anabantidae family of fishes, which possess a special organ called a labyrinth that allows fish to breathe from the surface of the water. If the air in the fry tank is not kept moist and warm, it could hamper the development of this organ. To ensure proper growth and development of Siamese fighting fish fry, keep the temperature in your fry tank between 80 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dangers of Changing Temperature
Though Siamese fighting fish are capable of tolerating slight changes in tank temperature and they are not fussy in regard to other aspects of water chemistry, extreme changes in tank temperature can be detrimental to their health. If the tank temperature in your Siamese fighting fish tank changes too drastically it could cause your fish to become stressed. Because the bodies of Siamese fighting fish have adapted to operate most efficiently within a certain temperature range, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside that range could result in internal problems such as digestive issues.
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Katherine Barrington has written on a variety of topics, from arts and crafts to pets, health and do-it-yourself projects. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English with a creative writing concentration from Marietta College.