This site was created to get straight to the point. Below are some tips on keeping Bettas. Send any additional information or questions to Ask An Expert

Compatibility:
Bettas are very picky about companions, generally irritated by other fish and do best alone. It is recommended that other fish in the tank be tropical, not aggressive, and around the same size as the betta. They're typically not compatible with gouramis or fish with large fins like angelfish.

Betta Fish Species: Key Points, Tips & Tricks - Betta Q/A

1. Betta's love to live in Bowls by themselves, they don't get lonely.
2. The last thing you want to do is get your male betta a "buddy" or "friend".
3. "Betta splendens" (most common types of bettas found in Walmart, any pet store) are really Siamese Fighting Fish.
4. They'll likely chase and kill the female if she sticks around and even attack their own reflection in a mirror.
5. If your breeding bettas, don't have too many males they will often fight.
6. They don't need an air pump, they can breath the same air we do.
7. The aggressiveness of a Fish Species of fish is in direct proportion to the relative size of their mouth. This is a proven fact.
8. The labyrinth breathing organ isn't developed until 3-4 weeks after hatching, so up to that point, baby bettas are totally dependent upon their gills as a means of respiration.
9. Unfortunately, the babies may become live food themselves any time after hatching, as the male betta may begin eating them at this point.

Betta Fish Species: DO'S - Betta Q/A

1. FEED THEM. Please do not think they can live solely on lily roots, they will die.
2. Change the water in the bowl or tank 25% once a week.

Betta Fish Species: DONT'S - Betta Q/A

1. Buyers of a Betta Fish Vase have been mistakenly told that the Betta can live by eating the lily roots. They will die, please feed them at the very least flake food once a day.
2. Never change all of the water in the bowl, change a maximum of 25% a week.
3. Never house your Betta in less than a quart, they need exercise.
4. Don't Feed your betta more than it can eat in 5 minutes.

 Male Betta Care Sheet - (PETCO.com)
 Female Betta Care Sheet - (PETCO.com)

Follow the above recommendations and you should have a joyful betta experience. Send any questions, comments or pictures to Ask An Expert If you are interested in helping out visit our contributions page.

Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.com Andrews, C. 1986 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Fish Breeding. Salamander, London. 117 pp., color illus.
Boggs, Sallie S. 1981. Mouthbrooding Bettas (Betta pugnans, B. picta, B. taeniata, B. brederi). FAMA 9/81.
Lucas, Gene A. 1987. Betta pugnax: Observations on a large mouthbrooding Betta. FAMA 3/87.
Mills, D. 1984 A Fishkeeper's Guide to Community Fishes. Tetra Press, Morris Plains, NJ. 117 pp., some color.
Pinter, H. 1986 Labyrinth Fish. Barron's, Woodbury, NY. 144 pp., some color illus.
Richter, Hans-Joachim 1988 Gouramis and Other Anabantoids. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 224 pp.er,
Vierke, J. 1986 Vierke's Aquarium Book. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 352 pp.
Vierke, J. 1988 Bettas, Gouramis and Other Anabantoids: Labyrinth Fishes of the World. T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ. 192 pp., color illus.