Veiltail Betta Fish Male

Description: Bettas are colorful fish with flowing fins and fun personalities. They are so intelligent that they recognize the people who care for them. Some bettas can even do tricks! While male bettas do not tolerate other male bettas, they can make a stunning addition to a community tank. Experienced fish keepers may find keeping female bettas in a sorority of 6 or more females in an aquarium is a gorgeous and rewarding experience. Bettas often bond closely to their owners. A betta's favorite pastime is often laying on a hammock of leaves from a live plant or decoration but they'll quickly swim right up if they think food is on the way! Learn everything you need to know about keeping Betta Fish in our complete Betta Care Guide!How Large Does This Pet Grow? Up to 3 inchesAverage Lifespan: 2-3 years, potentially longer in ideal conditionsBasic Diet: For detailed feeding information, check out our Aquatic Pet Feeding Guide! High quality floating pellets or flakes and frozen fish food 2-3 times per week. Bettas are charming and it can be tempting to overfeed them. Maintaining a healthy diet, however, is very important.Does This Pet Need a Roommate? Bettas are not schooling fish and generally prefer to be the only betta in your aquarium, especially males. Bettas can be a great addition to a peaceful community tank. Other fish may nip their long and flowing fins so monitor for aggression towards your betta from other fish. Some bettas may exhibit aggression towards other fish so monitor your fish regularly. Not sure which fish will make good tank mates? Check out our Fish Compatibility Guide!Minimum Enclosure Size: Contrary to popular belief, bettas need a heated and filtered tank of at least 3 gallons, although they will be even happier in larger tanks. A 10-gallon tank is easier to maintain and a happier home for your betta! Bettas love the space of large tanks to explore and interact with their environments.Habitat Necessities: for full details, see the Betta Shopping Checklist section of our Betta Care Guide! Glass or acrylic tank (minimum 3 gallons—larger is better for stability and enrichment)Aquarium hood or tank cover with lightAquarium heater and thermometerSubstrate: Gravel or sandDécor for hiding and enrichmentLive or artificial plantsFilter sized for your tank (See our Aquarium Maintenance Guide for more information on filtration)Safety Tips for You and Your Pet:It is recommended to quarantine any new pet for 30 days in a separate enclosure from existing pets to observe for illness, prevent the spread of potential diseases, and to limit stress while your pet acclimates to their new home. All new pets should be seen by a veterinarian within 14 days of purchase to establish care and discuss a health and wellness plan.All animals can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.When to Contact A Veterinarian: In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your veterinarian if you notice the following signs: Unusual swimming patternThinness or decreased appetiteAbdominal swellingInflamed or discolored skin/finsFins clamped to sides of bodyScraping body on rocks (flashing)Visible signs of illness or recent fish lossIf you observe any of these symptoms, we recommend visiting the "Find a Fish Vet" tool at fishvets.org or wavma.org for help finding a qualified veterinarian in your area. Vet Assured: All pets purchased at PetSmart are raised under our exclusive Vet Assured program and come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. Vet Assured is a program designed by PetSmart veterinarians to improve the health and well-being of our pets. The program sets standards for the care of our pets by our live animal partners and store associates and establishes strict standards for the monitoring and prevention of common illnesses found in pets. PetSmart makes a significant investment in the care of our pets and it is apparent in the quality and comfort of the pets in our stores. However, if your pet becomes ill during this initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied with your pet for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price. Please keep your sales receipt and return the pet to the store where it was purchased if needed.