Betta fish come in innumerable unique sub-species, each of them having its distinct features. Some of these sub-species are born naturally; some are bred. One such category of betta fish is blue betta fish.
Blue betta fish is among the rare betta category. One might not find them in stores or online to pet easily. Like every other betta fish, with the right tank conditions, water temperatures, and dietary requirements, one can pet this fish with ease. They are wild and aggressive fish, and that is the reason why they are not generally bred by breeders. Their unique pigmentation provides them an edge to survive the wild ocean. In this article, we will discuss precisely blue betta fish and the required maintenance.
Blue Betta Fish: An Overview
Blue betta fish are rarely found in pet stores to purchase. Due to its scarce availability, the information on them is also limited. They are naturally found in the Southeast Asian region. The blue betta fish are becoming extinct slowly because of the natural and artificial breeding and reproducing mechanism.
A feature about blue betta fish that makes it unique is that it is a labyrinth species. It has respiratory organs well set to help it breathe in oxygen. In the wild and deep ocean levels, fish find it hard to breathe, which is why they generally stay on the surface level. However, blue betta fish can survive at any depth of water.
Like many other bettas fish, blue betta fish can change the vibrancy of its colors according to their moods. Since blue betta fish are usually born to fight and survive, they flare-up in the presence of any predator. This is a way it tries to intimidate its enemy. Likewise, when sleeping, it will tend to lose the edge of its bright colors.
Like other betta species, a male blue betta fish will have a bright set of blue colors. Female bettas, on the other hand, lack vibrancy. The pigmentation of the blue betta fish has a pinch of brown scaly appearance. This unique color combination gives an opalescent look to blue betta fish.
Blue betta fish are often referred to as the Mekong Fighting fish or Green Emerald Betta. Here is a list of common names for blue betta fish:
- Aqua
- Splash
- Bubbles
- Snow
- Sea
- Iris
- Indigo
- Neptune
- Blueberry
- Bluebell
- Ice
Betta fish of this species are usually petted in pairs for the sake of procreation. If all of the tank’s conditions are met, these bettas can also be raised in shared tanks. They don’t require much tending and are pretty low-maintenance. They’re also excellent jumpers. As a reason, you must therefore keep a good lid on your tank.
Although most betta fish species are low-maintenance, we recommend that you take extra care of this one due to their rarity. The following section goes through some things you can do to help your beautiful blue betta fish feel more at peace in its natural habitat.
Taking Care Of Blue Betta Fish
Your fish will have a long and healthy life if you properly care for it. While betta fish are low-maintenance, they require a suitable tank, water, and nutrition to thrive. The objective is to clone blue betta fish’s natural habitat. Here are a few suggestions to assist you in creating a natural environment for your betta fish.
Tank Requirements
It is typical for betta fish owners to believe that their fish will be delicate in a bowl. On the other hand, the betta fish is a wild tropical fish. It requires space to swim. A minimum of 5-gallon betta tank must be used. A 10-gallon tank is necessary to accommodate a partner, with an additional 5 gallons needed for each subsequent pair. For your betta fish, we also recommend investing in an excellent heater.
Betta fish are pretty sensitive to the changes in which they are housed. Hence, we recommend making a few changes as follows. Especially think twice before introducing a new fish to the tank. Blue betta fish are aggressive and might either stress out or attack another fish in its territory.
Bettas also love to shelter in the vicinity of tank objects. As a result, you must incorporate enough tank decorations, like shrubs, rocks, and logs to provide lots of hiding places for your betta fish. However, any tank objects with rough corners should be avoided, as they can hurt the betta fish’s fins. It’s also necessary to have a suitable substrate, commonly gravel or sand.
Water Conditions
For any fish, the right water chemistry is critical. When setting up a tank for your betta fish, consider the temperature, pH level, ammonium and salt ratios, and water management. Any discrepancy in any of the above factors can cause your betta to get upset and shift coloration.
For any betta, the right water balance is critical. The Blue Betta isn’t any different. We recommend checking it at least every two weeks or more frequently if the tank is more minor. These fish like somewhat acidic environments with a pH of 6.8-7.5.
The quantities of urea, nitrate, chlorine, and residual chlorine must all be near zero. Any elevation in the levels of these elements can affect your betta fish. You keep this up. Make sure to refill the water frequently. Cleaning 15-20% of your home at least once a week is a good idea.
It’s also a good idea to have a filter system installed in your tank to keep the water clean and improve the quantity of current for betta fish that prefer a gentle stream.
Dietary Needs
Blue betta fish are predatory and require a high-protein meat diet. It is strongly recommended that you prepare balanced meals and a feeding schedule for your betta fish. An ideal betta fish diet includes excellent betta flakes, betta pellets, bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp.
Due to their voracious appetites, betta fish are vulnerable to being overfed. As a result, you should avoid overfeeding your betta fish. Small amounts of food should be provided to your betta fish just once or twice daily.
FAQs on Blue Betta Fish
What is blue betta fish price?
Due to its scarce nature, it is expensive relative to the common betta fish. While the standard betta fish cost in the range of $3-$5, the blue betta fish might cost anywhere between the range of $20-$60.
Where can I buy a blue betta fish?
The rare species might not be available in pet stores or online websites readily. However, if one can get hold of a breeder, one might have a slightly higher chance of acquiring a blue betta.
How long do blue betta fish live for?
Blue betta fish live for around 2-5 years if they are taken proper care of or eaten by other species.
Final Thoughts
Count yourself fortunate if you ever come across a blue betta fish and take special care of it. Meet all of the criteria for a betta fish habitat listed above. These are the basic needs of a betta. Keeping your betta fish in proper tank conditions will live a long and healthy life.
