Can Betta Fish See In The Dark? [Explained]

Betta fish are perhaps one of the most popular aquarium fish out there. However, with such popularity comes a great deal of mystery. A betta fish is more than just an attractive fish with vibrant and widespread fins. For instance, have you ever wondered can betta fish see in the dark? Let us find out.

As humans, it is safe to say that our vision in the dark is not one to brag about as it is relatively low. As a matter of fact, the night vision of a betta fish is much worse than that of a human being. So if you are wondering, can betta fish see in the dark, then the answer is no. This poor vision stems from the fact that betta fish lack a properly functioning iris, which controls the amount of light that enters an eye. Even though betta fish is not the best at seeing in the dark, they can perceive and distinguish between colors quite well.

How Good Is Betta Fish’s Vision?

Before answering the question can betta fish see in the dark, we must first inquire whether or not betta fish possess good vision. Bluntly speaking, betta fish have pretty bad eyesight. This is due to a host of reasons, including poor iris functionality, monocular vision, and other factors.

When we talk about the poor iris functionality of a betta fish, we mean the inability of a betta fish to properly control the amount of light that enters its eyes. Let us suppose you walk into a dark room. You might notice that you cannot see a thing for a short period.

However, the longer you stay in the room, you will start to notice that your vision gets relatively better. Well, that is what an iris does. It adapts your eyes to see better depending on the surrounding conditions. Similarly, if you walk into a well-lit room from a dark one, you might face difficulty seeing for a brief moment.

Iris helps us see better by controlling the amount of light entering the eye. We need as much light to enter our eyes as possible in the dark. In the case of us humans, this process takes only a brief moment. However, in the case of a betta fish, this transition or adaptability takes a sufficiently long period.

Thus, if you were still wondering can betta fish see in the dark, then the answer is no, as the iris of a betta fish is not naturally adapted to properly control the amount of light entering the betta’s eyes, thereby making the betta harder to see in the dark.

Moreover, betta fish are not that great depth perceivers as well. This is because their vision is what is scientifically termed monocular vision. This means that the betta fish sees two different things with its two eyes, unlike humans who see a single picture.

Such monocular vision makes it difficult for a betta fish to correctly perceive water depth. However, as we all know, for every bad, there is a good. Depth perception is not a significant problem for betta fish as they possess pressure sensors on their sides that give them a decent idea about the depth.

So, can betta fish see in the dark? No. Betta fish can barely see in the dark. However, this does not entail that betta fish cannot perceive colors. As a matter of fact is, betta fish can easily distinguish among colors but only in the presence of a considerable amount of light.

Can Betta Fish See In The Dark And Prefer It?

Having answered the question, can betta fish see in the dark, now let us discuss how much darkness is necessary for a betta fish. In simple words, betta fish are not a big fan of the dark. This does not mean that you must always keep them in the light.

A balance between light and dark is vital. Betta fish need an optimum amount of darkness every day for their health and safety. As humans, we prefer darkness while we sleep. The same goes for betta fish that requires darkness while it is sleeping. Thus, a betta fish requires about 8 to 12 hours of night.

As betta fish cannot ultimately see in the dark, they tend to get relatively inactive and lethargic in the dark. Thus, you should avoid keeping your betta fish in the dark for long periods. Lights should be kept off only during the nighttime when it is their time to sleep.

Thus, a proper lighting regulation corresponds directly to a well-scheduled sleeping regime. Additionally, betta fish cannot see food in the dark. You do not need to worry about lethargy while your betta fish is in the night. There is a good chance that your betta fish is just sleeping.

FAQs On Can Bettaa Fish See In The Dark

Final Thoughts

Thus, if you wonder, can betta fish see in the dark, then the answer is no. Generally speaking, betta fish possess bad vision, even in the light. This is because they lack proper functionality in their iris. Their monocular vision also makes it difficult for them to perceive water depth.