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Learn how to care for a betta fish, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
You may not take your betta fish for a walk, but this aquatic pet still needs daily activity. Petco shares how to encourage daily exercise and play into your betta fish's life.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
If you’re thinking of adding a betta fish to your family, learn a few fun facts about these underwater wonders.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Learn how to care for semi-aggressive fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for freshwater community fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
It is very difficult to see the markings of these fish from the pictures. Many fish may be able to live with a Betta if there is a large enough tank. Here are some guidelines on how to pick tabkmates for a Betta. No nibblers – if a fish nibbles at a Betta fish they will get bit back! Bigger fish and colorful fish could be seen to be intimidating – you don’t want to intimidate a fighting fish! Think of the size of your aquarium – you should always have 5 gallons of personal water space for your betta fish Many bottom feeders* are fish that can live with bettas Remember the dietary requirements for both tank mates Add a few tank ornaments and live plants for any intimidated fish to hide (just incase) You can find some more info here. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/category_home.cfm?acatid=158
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Usually it is best to avoid this as Bettas tend to be territorial and aggressive and are generally unhappy when grouped. It is always best to keep them by themselves. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Cold water can affect activity in fish. Bettas are tropical fish and do best between 78 F and 80 F. Check the water chemistry also. You can use a home test kit, such as the API Master Kit, or submit a water sample for testing. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. Aim for an absence (0 ppm) of ammonia and nitrites with nitrates at 20ppm or less. Perform a partial water change if necessary to stabilize chemistry and/or to improve water quality. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. Diet can influence color, so it is possible this is partly to blame for the color change. There are diets that can be fed to enhance colors.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Betta are definitively very territorial and you may notice multiple fights for space at the beginning. Definitively the aquarium must have multiple spots for hiding like Terra Cotta Flowerpots and PVC Piping, moss or bushy plants, ornaments, rocks and driftwoods. This will avoid open fights and will provide good places to have some rest.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
This could be bacterial infection. Most minor infection can be managed or resolved by providing pristine water conditions and a tiny bit of plain aquarium salt (NOT table or Epsom salt). Perform daily partial water changes, about 30%, using aged or conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent further stress or shock. Dissolve about 1/2 teaspoon of plain aquarium salt per gallon of water into the tank. Treat for 10-14 days then reassess their condition. If necessary a broad spectrum antibiotic can be found in the aquarium section of the local Petco. Follow label directions carefully. As an aside, Bettas do best between 78F and 80F. Cory cats prefer cooler temps, between 60F and 75F. They do not do well at temps that Bettas are kept in, eventually they will become stressed which can lead to infection. Consider separating one or the other into a tank with the appropriate water parameters.
Updated on September 24th, 2025