The Betta Fish Makes A Great Starter Pet For Kids

March 1, 2022

Betta Fish

You might not think of a fish as a suitable pet for a child, but these beautiful and colourful species are incredibly sensitive and easy to keep.

Otherwise known as the Siamese fighting fish or labyrinth fish, the Betta splendens has been around for centuries and centuries. Genome analysis has shown their origins to be around 4000 to 7000 years old. In fact, you could say that the Betta was the very first domesticated pet to be brought into our homes.

Native to the shallow ponds and rice paddies of some areas of Asia, Betta fish are incredibly hardy and can draw enough oxygen from the air to sustain them. This means you won’t need an elaborate aeration system to keep them, though it’s always recommended.

The Betta gets the name “labyrinth fish” from a complex mechanism called the labyrinth organ. This enables them to breathe from the surface air. Most pet Bettas are imported from parts of Thailand and unfortunately, they are not treated humanely. Even though Bettas are efficient at using oxygen from the surface air, that doesn’t mean they do well in a confined space like a plastic container or vase.

The male species of Betta splendens are fiercely competitive and protective of their young. Which is why you often see Bettas living alone in a tank all by themselves, as they will fight other Bettas. You can, however, house females together. Some community fish, such as Cory catfish, kuhli loaches and guppies, can happily live with Bettas. Other compatible tank mates include snails, ghost shrimp and frogs.

Bettas cannot live on plant roots alone. They are carnivorous creatures that require a varied, high-protein diet of dried bloodworms, brine shrimp or daphnia. Fortunately, they make Betta fish pellets that have everything they need to thrive, including added vitamins and minerals.

Betta fish make the ideal startre pet. They are most active during the day and are beautiful to watch. They come in several varieties and colours and their beautiful angel-like fins dance through the water as they move. It is said, they will recognize their owners and eat out of your hand. With enough patience, you can even teach your Betta fish to do tricks, such as follow your finger, swim through hoops and jump out of the water.