Betta fish live

Shop Petco for all your betta fish needs. You’ll find a variety of vibrant and colorful betta fish for sale that are sure to help kick start a budding aquarist hobby in anyone. Featuring jewel-bright colors and elegant, flowing fins betta fish are the perfect low maintenance introduction for pet parents who are looking to test the waters of aquarium ownership. This freshwater species looks great anywhere; you can even buy betta fish to brighten up the office!

Betta fish take their name from an ancient clan of warriors known as the “Bettah.” Also called the Siamese fighting fish, they were prized in the 1800s when the idea of pitting them against each other for sport became popular in their native Thailand. The winner of each match was decided based on the bravery of betta fish rather than the amount of battle damage inflicted.

While that bit of history might paint a brutal picture, the modern female live betta fish has a more community-minded temperament and will generally share a tank with other female bettas and non-aggressive fish. Male betta fish are another story, however. While they can also live successfully in community tanks, a male should never be placed in an aquarium with another betta (male or female), as it will reawaken that old fighting spirit. Two or more live betta fish in one tank will become aggressive and combat each other – often to the death – to determine which betta is the alpha. Pet parents who want to pick up multiple betta fish for sale are strongly urged to keep them in separate tanks.

Another interesting characteristic of the betta fish is their ability to breathe from the water’s surface through their labyrinth organ, in addition to gills. They also prefer to feed from the surface, and thrive best on a diet high in protein and fiber to keep their strength up for when the next match comes. Check with an associate at Petco for books and additional tips for raising your betta fish.