Female Betta (2”)

Scientific Name: Betta splendens

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

• Lifespan: Typically 3 to 5+ years with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes & Care:

• Minimum Aquarium Size:
  At least 5 gallons (19 liters) per female for a single fish.
  For a female sorority (group), a 20-gallon long or larger is strongly recommended with 6 or more individuals to distribute aggression.

• Water Changes:

  • Weekly 25–50% water changes
    

• Filtration & Heating:

  • Gentle filter is important (baffled or sponge-type recommended)

  • Heater to maintain temperature between 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
    

Care Overview:

• Female Bettas are less aggressive than males, but still territorial and can be fin nippers.

• Sorority tanks (groups of females) must be well-planted with lots of hiding spots and only stocked if all fish are monitored carefully for aggression.

• Individual females can be kept in community tanks with peaceful, non-fin-nipping tankmates such as Corydoras, Cardinal Tetras, small rasboras, or snails.
  

Diet:

• Carnivorous – needs high-protein foods

• Staple Diet:

  • Xtreme Betta pellets

  • High-quality flakes (occasionally)

• Supplements/Treats:

  • Frozen or live foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, Blackworms

  • Feed small amounts 1–2 times per day; fast one day a week to avoid bloating

Natural Habitat:

• Native to rice paddies, slow-moving streams, and shallow ponds in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos

• Naturally inhabit warm, oxygen-poor waters and have evolved the labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe air from the surface

Breeding:

• Sexual Dimorphism:

  • Females are typically shorter-finned, slightly smaller, and may display vertical breeding stripes when receptive

• Breeding Setup:

  • Separate tank (5–10 gallons) with gentle filtration, floating plants, and a bubble nest area

  • Male builds a bubble nest and courts the female

• Spawning Behavior:

  • Male wraps around female to fertilize eggs, then places eggs into the bubble nest

  • Remove female after spawning to avoid aggression

• Raising Fry:

  • Male cares for the eggs for 2–3 days

  • Remove male once fry are free-swimming

  • Feed Live baby brine shrimp to start. Once a little larger you can offer the fry crushed up flakes/pellets,