Despite the popularity of beta fish in US offices and households, there still many misleading misconceptions about these creatures. They are vibrant and it is fun to care for them, but beta lovers can enjoy them only when they know how to care for a beta fish.And this is where myths continue to grow and spread like fire.
In this article, I aim to dispel some of the most common myths related to beta fish care.
Myth #1: beta's love small containers like bowls.
Probably this myth comes from the fact that in pet stores we see beta's kept in bowls, thus we get the idea that this is the right home for them. Actually, this is wrong. Bowls are not preferred; remember that in the wild beta fish are not limited in space. So a 3-gallon tank is highly recommended. Ideally, you should consider a 5-gallon home for your beta if you want to make them really happy.
Myth #2: two male beta's will fight to death.
While beta's tend to protect there territory from invaders, much depends on the size of the container. If you keep two males in a small bowl, they're likely to fight. But providing they live in a tank with enough space, they may share the territory pretty peacefully. Betas are not used to cruel fighting; like other species in the wild, they show their superior position by demonstration, and not fight.
Myth #3: you should feed beta fish as much as he can eat.
Betta owners should know that in the wild betas are carnivores. That is, they tend to eat as much as they can catch when there's food. A Betta can live up to a month without food, and that's why he eats up all the meal. Domesticated creatures should be fed in small portions to avoid any beta fish diseases like constipation and Swim bladder disease.
Myth 4: Betta fish tank doesn't need any heating.
Betas come from Asia, where temperatures in the wild are higher than temperature of the outside air in the US. Betas are tropical fish and need their water heated to the 79F - 85F degree range. Low water temperatures stress out the beta fish, lower their immune system and lead to diseases.
Myth 5: Betas prefer to eat plants, not meat.
Betta fish are not herbivores! They are carnivores, that is meat eaters. While it may sound strange because of the size of betas, plants are not suitable food for them. If you see a beta fish eating roots of some plant, then it's because he is starving! The most preferred food for them would be frozen bloodworms or flakes from local pet store.
Of course, there are more myths about beta fish care you should be aware of if you want to learn how to be a happy owner of these fancy freshwater creatures. You're welcome to my blog for more useful tips on how to care for beta fish.
