Betta (Female) care

Betta splendens · Freshwater · Beginner level care

A shorter finned betta that is a bit calmer than males but can still fight.

Smallest tank5 gallons

Adult size2.25 inches

Temperature76 to 82°F

pH6 to 7.5

GroupOne per tank

TemperamentSemi aggressive

SwimsTop of the tank

Lives3 to 5 years

Watch for: Females can bully each other, so groups need a big planted tank and experience.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Betta pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp.

Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.

Fish that pass every check with Betta (Female) in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Silver Dollar: Silver Dollar grows big enough to eat Betta (Female).
Rosy Barb: Rosy Barb and Betta (Female) need different water temperatures.
Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Betta (Female).
Gold Barb: Gold Barb and Betta (Female) need different water temperatures.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow: White Cloud Mountain Minnow and Betta (Female) need different water temperatures.
Paradise Fish: Paradise Fish and Betta (Female) need different water temperatures.
Angelfish: Angelfish grows big enough to eat Betta (Female).
Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Betta (Female).

What size tank does a Betta (Female) need?

At least 5 gallons. Adults grow to about 2.25 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Betta (Female) like?

76 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Betta (Female) should I keep together?

Keep only one. Betta (Female) fight their own kind.

What do Betta (Female) eat?

Betta pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.