3 Signs To Tell If Your Betta Fish Is Happy (Guide)
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Betta fish, sometimes known as Siamese fighting fish, are really stunning animals. We have all entered a pet store to view the beautiful betta display.
If you decide to bring one of these fish into your house, you should do everything you can to make their existence as pleasurable as possible.
Betta fish do not require the same rigorous setup as other fish, making them ideal for first-time pet owners. Let's go a little further into "3 Signs To Tell If Your Betta Fish Is Happy" by BestForPets (bestforpets.org) to discover how to keep your betta healthy and happy.

Table of contents
Normal Betta Behavior Why Can't Betta Fish Live Together? How to Know Your Betta is Happy Can Betta Fish Get Depressed? Other Health Conditions How to Keep Your Betta Fish Happy SummaryNormal Betta Behavior
Betta fish are energetic, contented little fish that have no trouble expressing it. Betta fish will eat without difficulty and will swim up to you without hesitation if they believe you have food. If you possess one of these beautiful fish, you should not expect anything less than personality.
Why Can't Betta Fish Live Together?
Betta fish are, let’s say, combative. Due to their extreme territoriality, they cannot coexist with other bettas. If placed in the same aquarium, they will actually kill one other (their name was not created without reason).
Even while bettas are usually content living alone, they can coexist with a few other species of fish.
Among suitable fish partners are:
- Tetras
- phantom shrimp
- African dwarf frogs
- Catfish in the genus Corydopsis
You should never choose a fish with a flowing tail, such as a goldfish, because it might provoke a hostile response. Even bettas’ own reflections can trigger them to get agitated. Fewer triggers are preferable, which is why solitary betta fish are so popular.
How to Know Your Betta is Happy
There is yet no clear scientific explanation for what bettas can sense. Nevertheless, we may glean a fair amount of information from their behavior in their cage.
1. Bright, Vivacious Colors
Your betta should always appear vivid, colorful, and gorgeous, just as they did when you purchased them. Their fins should be clear of dirt and overgrowth, with smooth scales and fluid movement. If the colors of your fish begin to fade, it might be a clue that something is wrong.
2. Freely Swimming
Your betta should spontaneously dart around the cage every so often. They should have little issue swimming fast up to their meals or snacks. Fish that remain at the surface of the water or are concealed under coral may have a health problem.
3. Coming Up to Greet You
Bettas are gregarious and inquisitive little fish that may be quite engaging with their owners. If they observe you at the aquarium wall, they may approach to say hello. They will follow your finger across the glass or surface for a snack.
Can Betta Fish Get Depressed?
Similar to other animals, bettas can experience depression. Some indications that your betta may be experiencing the blues include:
- Dessication of color
- Lounging around the aquarium
- Lack of hunger
Due to the fact that these symptoms may potentially indicate more serious problems, it is essential to look for further indications.
Other Health Conditions
Depression is not the only ailment that may affect your betta. Several other concerns demand prompt action:
- Fin decay – white patches on fins
- Ich – appetite loss, tiredness, white coating on the body
- Dropsy – kidney enlargement, fluid accumulation, remaining at the surface of the water
- Popeye – may indicate tuberculosis, which is fatal.
- Velvet – parasite infestation, look of gold dust
- Mouth fungus – characterized by drowsiness and blotchy patches
How to Keep Your Betta Fish Happy
Bettas are often simple to care for, having less environmental requirements than other fish. To keep your betta happy and healthy, you must adhere to the fundamentals of betta care.
Maintain a clean and debris-free aquarium
A filthy aquarium can lead to a variety of health problems for your betta. However, it also makes living blissfully difficult. If your betta is not provided with adequate water quality, it might threaten their survival. Since bettas often live alone, they may not require as much care as other fish.
If you do not offer a filter for your betta, you must clean the entire tank every four to five weeks.
Schedule your betta’s feedings
Similar to you, bettas anticipate their regular food. These carnivores require a high-quality fish diet to maintain optimal health. You should give your adult fish two pellets up to twice a day, but avoid overfeeding them.
Daily interaction with your betta fish
Understand that bettas like connecting with their owners despite the fact that they cannot be cuddled in the same manner as other pets.
Some become rather pleased upon seeing your face, since this signifies the imminent arrival of treats. You should never handle your betta, since doing so might cause undue stress and damage.
Offer delectable snacks on occasion.
Betta’s adore freeze-dried food, such bloodworms. While they will consume as much food as you provide, it is preferable to limit feedings to once or twice each week.
Let your betta live alone, if feasible
Even though bettas are stunning fish, they flourish best when kept alone. If you prefer to add your betta to an established environment, conduct study and introduce it gradually. If the improper mix happens, other fish may be injured or killed.
Summary
Happiness is a crucial component of betta health. To be content, they require good living circumstances, adequate food, and social contact, much like any other species. Be mindful of any changes in behavior and investigate their causes.
If you believe that your fish is unwell, see your veterinarian for advice. Any possible health concerns may need the use of medicine or tank additives.
We hope “3 Signs To Tell If Your Betta Fish Is Happy” by BestForPets (bestforpets.org)” has given you some interesting information to assist you in understanding your fish friend even better.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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