Before you start learning about the personalities and traits of betta fish types here are some things you should know when deciding which fish is right for you:

Your Betta Fish

Imagine owning a happy, healthy and active betta fish that lives three times the life span of the average betta fish. A pet that brings you enjoyment for years to come! Betta fish are commonly referred to as "Siamese fighting fish" and are highly prized not only for their brilliant colors, but mainly for their long flowing and showy fins. Betta's are hardy fish, but like many other types of aquarium fish, betta splendens do require your personal attention and looking after. Still betta fish are very popular these days. In fact, to many owners they are totally irresistible. Bettas come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and in fifty different types of colors. Whereas many other types of fish require elaborate and costly apparatus like filtration systems, tank skimmers, heaters and other equipment. Check out the types of betta fish and you'll learn more about how to successfully breed and look after your pet betta fish.

Checklist For Buying a Betta Fish

You should check what the surrounding environment is like: Examine the jars the Bettas are being kept in. See if the water is clean and clear in appearance, and with no traces of leftover food or too much excrement. Check and see that there are no bad odors coming from the jar. Sometimes bad odors come from dead fish. Next thing you should do is carefully and thoroughly inspect the Betta fish. Next, check its body: The Betta should be free and clear of any type of lumps or unusual shaped bumps. Its scales should be flat in appearance. Look for fish with missing and loose scales letting you know of any trauma and illness it may have suffered. Look for white colored patches on its body which could indicate a serious fungus infection. See if its stomach is swollen. These symstems oftentimes indicate that the Betta is not healthy and well.

Checking For Color Discoloration

Healthy betta fish are beautifully and bright colored (see betta fish pictures) and have no signs of discoloration. Whereas unhealthy Bettas tend to take on a pale appearance displaying spots and shades of discoloration usually seen along their body or on their actual face. Examine the Bettas eyes: A truly healthy Betta will display very clear eyes. You shouldn't purcahse any Betta fish whose eyes appear either sunken or over bulging. Bettas are usually very active and should float upright, unless they're sleeping. Slowly bring the fingers of your hand close to your Betta pet to make sure that it's alive and alert. Please NEVER startle a Betta fish by jabbing your finger into its bag in which the Betta is stored, or by constant tapping on its bowl. Instead move one of your fingers slowly toward the Betta fish and watch for its reaction. Try and be gentle and a bit subtle so that the Betta fish isn't traumatized at all. Remember, a strong and healthy Betta is active and alert and will instantly react in one way or another to your movement if detected, although your Betta fish may not always respond by flaring its fins.

What About The Bettas Fins And Gills

Check that there should be no type of discoloration, body tears or noticeable holes when its fins are fully extended. Sometimes it can hard to check properly because in the tiny bag used by pet stores it's difficult for the Betta fish to extend its fins. Nevertheless Betta fins can get broken or torn because of the fact that they are mostly kept for long periods of time in jars usually too small for there needs. When a Betta fish swims about their protruding fins can brush-up against the container walls and can break. You should also look carefully at the Bettas gills that they look smooth and almost flat in appearance showing no signs of splitting and peeling. Make sure there's no unsightly lumps or body discoloration.

Choosing the Right Betta Tank

Choosing the right Betta Tank... is absolutely essential! Why? Because if you choose the wrong one it could easily make your Betta fish suffer, not to mention you'll be out of pocket. Decisions such as the right size of your beta fish tank... the right type of equipment for your Betta fish tank, and things like the heater and water filtration system shouldn't be overlooked. It's a good idea to do your research before you decide to invest in buying these items. There are several excellent reference books now availble, and you're sure to locate them with a quick search on Google. Most importantly you should read the chapters on precisely the kinds of equipment you should buy (and, use!) as well as how you should properly look after your Betta fish tank and Betta fish bowl. Enjoy a happy and healthy pet Betta swimming in clear and clean water. Remember, betta fish care is choosing the right bowl or aquarium tank that will give you hours of fun and pleasure from a happy and healthy pet betta.

Other Things To Consider

Looking after siamese fighting fish is pretty simple and clear-cut. However, here's some important things to keep in mind. Follow these simple steps and you will have a happy and healthy siamese fighting fish. Contrary to most belief... these gorgeous full-finned Betta lovelies require a minimum of one gallon of water and a bowl to suit. Even two gallons of water would be much better. Ten gallons of water better still. But always avoid using distilled water as it's a big NO! NO! Try and maintain an even water temperature somewhere between 78 to 84 degrees Farenheight. If you don't place your Betta fish in a room that's warm you will require a tank heater to maintain the temperature within the desired range. Temperature that fluctuates isn't wise for any tropical fish. That means siamese fighting fish as well. Betta fish excrement along with leftover food will quickly stink, and foul-up the water thus poisoning your fish.

Why Water Quality Is Crucial

If you've housed your Betts in three gallons of water or less make sure that you change the entire amount of water at least once every week. Also always make sure that you replace it with aged tap water of the same-temperature that has been standing for at least 24-hours. Larger tank aquariums can use the cycling method. That means that approximately 20 to 30 percent of the water must be changed once a week. Many do more but many also do less. But they all replenish the water supply each week.

You should ONLY use boiling hot water to rinse out your bowl or tank. Also, make sure you have a secure lid because you don't you may lose a Betta or two since these Siamese fighting fish are real jumpers. However, do not fill their aquarium tank or smaller bowl right up to the lid. They need to breath the surface air as well. Make sure that you leave enough room to accomplish that. Keep these points in mind and you will have happy and healthy siamese fighting fish. For complete information see betta fish.