Female Betta Assorted

Description

Female Betta Standard

Caring for a female betta fish is very similar to caring for a male betta. For example, both males and females need the same kind of tank size and water conditions, although their temperaments are different.

• Lifespan: Both male and female bettas live for up to 3 years. With proper care, bettas have been known to live longer than this

• How to tell if a betta fish is female: Female betta fish have smaller fins than the males and are slightly smaller and slimmer. They are less vibrant and have an egg spot. Side by side, it’s very easy to tell a male betta apart from a female. It’s more difficult to tell males and females apart before they reach maturity

• Size: Betta females grow up to 2.5–3 inches, which is slightly smaller than the average male betta

• Tank size: A single female betta fish needs at least a 5-gallon tank. If you plan to keep a sorority, you’ll need at least a 20-gallon tank

• Water type: Freshwater, with a pH of 6.5–7.5, and a temperature of 78–80°F

• Food: Female betta fish are carnivorous, like the males, and should be fed a diet of fish pellets specifically for bettas. You can also feed your betta snacks such as bloodworms or even finely chopped meat

• Temperament: Females are less aggressive and territorial than male bettas, but some individual bettas can still be aggressive. However, female betta fish can be kept with other female bettas. Female betta fish are less showy than males, but that doesn’t mean that they’re any less rewarding to keep and care for

Every fish has its own unique needs and characteristics, and female bettas are no exception. Even if you’re used to keeping males bettas, looking after females is a new experience because they have a few different needs.

Behavior

Female betta fish are less aggressive than males, but any kind of betta fish will display aggression and territorial behaviour. Remember, bettas are called “Siamese fighting fish” for a reason. While female betta fish can and do live comfortably together (which certainly can’t be said of male bettas), there may be fighting and other incidents.

Any sorority will take some time to get comfortable with each other, and social order will need to be established first. Some individual female betta fish are too aggressive to be kept with others.

Keep a close eye on your fish, and learn their personalities. This is especially important when you first bring your fish home. Moving to a new tank can be stressful, and stress can encourage other problems, like aggression and territorial behaviour.

Finding tank mates for female betta fish is easier than finding mates for males. When choosing tank mates for a male, you need to be careful not to choose a showy fish that could be mistaken for another male. Female betta fish are much more tolerant of other fish. However, a female betta will still act aggressively if it feels threatened, so be sure to pick peaceful fish as tank mates.

Starting and Maintaining a Sorority

A sorority is made up of four to six female bettas, preferably all of the same age. It’s important to give the sorority as much tank room as possible. Any tank smaller than 20 gallons can lead to aggressive behaviour, as the female bettas feel cramped and threatened.

Once you’ve added your sorority to a tank, keep a close eye on the fish. Not every female betta is suited to a sorority, so watch for any aggression or fighting. A social order needs to be established inside the sorority, and this can be a challenge. Have another tank cycled and ready in case one fish needs to be separated from the group.

Don’t add any new fish while your sorority gets established, even if you plan to start a community tank later. Aside from making your bettas feel threatened and cramped, adding new fish can cause the ammonia levels in a tank to spike, which can be fatal for your fish. This is the same for any fish, not just female betta fish.

Tank Conditions/Personal Space

As tropical fish, bettas need warm water of around 78–80°F, with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Male and female betta fish have similar requirements when it comes to tank conditions and water quality. For example, female bettas — just like males — like plenty of places to hide and explore, so feel free to add decorations and hiding spots in the female betta’s tank.

Just like humans, bettas like their own space. This is why decorations, caves, and hiding places are essential. If tensions get high among your sorority or bullying starts to become a problem, your fish should have places to hide.

For a single female betta, you’ll need at least a 5-gallon tank. You’ll need at least 20 gallons if you plan to host a sorority. As with most fish, more space is better. If your bettas feel cramped or threatened, they’ll be more susceptible to illness, and can also become aggressive towards other fish.

It’s best to stick to the 1-inch-per-1-gallon rule, which means that every extra inch of fish needs another gallon of water in the tank. This prevents overcrowding and stress in your aquarium. Always give your bettas at least a month to settle into their new home before adding extra fish.