Betta fish, as we all know, is one of the most demanded aquarium fish, and it is rightfully so. Who would not want a fish with varied colored fins and a showy appearance. Even though it seems odd, betta fish can occasionally jump out of the tank, which begs the question of exactly how long can a betta fish live out of water.
This question is has no definite answer. It varies based on various factors like the temperature of the surrounding environment, the surface on which the betta fell, and the humidity in the surrounding air. Depending on these factors, we can genuinely determine precisely how long can a betta fish live out of water.
How Can A Betta Fish Live Out Of Water?
Before discussing how long a betta fish can live out of the water, let us discuss exactly how a betta fish can live outside the tank, even for a small amount of time. As stated earlier, betta fish are a pretty popular aquarium fish, and their ability to breathe atmospheric air makes them unique.
Betta fish have a particular organ called the labyrinth that allows the betta fish to breathe out of water for a short period of time, depending on the surrounding conditions outside the tank. Thus, if it so happens that your tank is low in oxygen, then your betta fish can also breathe small amounts of air.
The presence of this organ does not mean that you should ignore the fact that your betta fish is going to the water surface to fulfill its oxygen requirements. You should check your water oxygen concentration of the tank if you see your betta fish gasping for air.
Thus, this labyrinth organ allows your betta fish to survive in oxygen-depleted conditions and stagnant water, where your other fish might struggle. As previously said, the fact that your betta fish can breathe small amounts of atmospheric air does not mean you should not do something about it.
It would help if you conditioned your tank so that your betta fish is not forced to jump out of the water. Thus, make sure your tank conditions are at the optimum level for your betta fish to thrive. Now let us discuss which factors determine exactly how long can a betta fish live out of water.
Factors Determining Betta Fish Breathing Out Of Water
Thus, to truly understand how long can a betta fish live out of the water, we would first have to discuss the various factors that affect betta fish’s breathing out of water. These factors mainly include the surrounding environment outside the tank where the betta fish falls.
The time span of betta fish’s survival outside water depends on these factors.
Humidity In The Surrounding Air
Humidity is an essential deciding factor in determining how long can a betta fish live out of water. The higher the amount of moisture in the surrounding air outside the tank, the higher are the chances that your betta fish will survive for a more extended period outside of water.
Similarly, if the humidity is low outside the tank where your betta fish has fallen, then there is a high chance that your betta fish will not survive that long, and you should act immediately. Thus, the longevity of betta fish’s survival varies according to the surrounding humidity.
Temperature Outside The Tank
Surrounding temperature is another deciding factor in determining how long can a betta fish live out of water. If you live in a cold climate and the temperature outside the tank is relatively complex, then the chances of survival of the betta fish are higher.
If warmer temperature prevails outside the tank, then your betta fish has a low chance of surviving for a more extended period. Thus, it would help if you did not keep a betta fish in such warm conditions as it may prove to be fatal for your betta fish.
Other Factors
Other factors include the hardness of the surface on which the betta fish has fallen and the height from which the betta fish has fallen. Thus, besides the surrounding temperature and humidity, these factors also affect the survival of the betta fish outside water.
If your betta fish fell on a soft surface like a carpet, which absorbs all the water, then the betta fish’s survival time becomes very slim. If your betta fish falls on a hard surface like tiles, then the chances of survival increase as water is retained for quite some time.
On the other hand, if your betta fish has fallen from a considerable height, the chances of survival are almost nil as the impact can seriously damage the betta fish, including its internal organs. However, the survival rate will be high if your betta fish fell on a relatively soft surface that does not absorb that much water.
Having discussed the various factors affecting the betta fish’s survival outside water, let us now discuss how long can a betta fish live out of water.
How Long Can A Betta Fish Live Out Of Water?
Depending on the factors mentioned above, now we can figure out how long can a betta fish live out of water. The best-case scenario will be if a betta fish falls on a soft, non-absorbent surface with a cold and humid climate. If this is the case, your betta fish can live up to 6 hours out of water.
On the contrary, if your betta fish falls on the hard, water-absorbent surface with a hot and dry climate, then the chances of survival are too low. In this case, your betta fish can live up to 30 minutes approximately. In no way is it recommended to leave your betta fish outside the tank.
FAQs on How Long Can a Betta Fish Live Out of Water
Can betta fish breathe out of water?
YES. Betta fish, owing to its labyrinth organ, can live outside water. This organ allows the betta fish to breathe atmospheric air for a short period.
What is the life span of a betta fish?
If proper care is taken, your betta fish may live up to 2 to 5 years in a tank.
Why did my betta jump out of water?
Inadequate tank conditions. Stressful tank environment. Something interesting outside the tank. Or free will. These are some of the possible reasons for your betta fish jumping out of water.
Final Thoughts
Thus, various factors determine exactly how long can a betta fish live out of water. The time span of survival can range between 30 minutes and 6 hours, depending on these factors. It is not recommended to keep your betta out of water.
