Last Updated: 31/07/2025
Thinking of getting a fighting fish? Before you buy that tiny bowl, read our vet's guide. We cover everything from the right tank setup to diet and care for a happy, healthy betta.
Author: Dr Nicole Wynne BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
Our little fighting fish sometimes get the short end of the stick as they are commonly touted as easy, low (or no) maintenance pets, and unfortunately have a reputation for being able to live in a jar. They're actually surprisingly interactive and complicated little animals, and they need at least a 15 litre tank to live comfortably.
Yes, another name for fighting fish is betta, which is short for their scientific name, Betta splendens. You may see varieties of fighting fish such as crowntails, plakat, halfmoon, and dumbo - these are usually related to their fin shape and length.
Despite the misleading myths regarding fighting fish, it can't be denied that they're beautiful little fish and are a lovely addition to any home.
Yes, fighting fish do fight, and while female fish can be kept in groups, the majority of fighting fish kept as pets are males. It is easy to tell the males from the females, as the males are the ones with the classic vibrant colouration, showy fins, and spunky attitude. The females have a similar body shape, but have basic, short fins, and plain colouration. Males must be kept separately, and if multiple males are kept in adjacent tanks, an opaque divider must be used to prevent them from seeing each other.
The average lifespan of a fighting fish is about 2-5 years, but some individuals have lived up to 10 years! The best thing to do to maximise your fish's lifespan is to ensure that your water quality, water temperature, and feeding is as good as possible.
Fighting fish require a minimum tank size of 15 litres, and the larger the tank, the better. As they are a tropical species, they also require a tank heater, and ideally a thermostat to automatically keep the water temperature between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius.
Fighting fish have an erroneous reputation for being able to live in small amounts of water as they can live in shallow water and puddles in the wild. However, shallow water such as rice paddies can still stretch for kilometers, and puddles are temporary refuges during the wet season. These fish still require a larger tank size to dilute waste and provide enrichment.
Yes! Fighting fish do require a filter, even just for one fish.
Prior to getting your fish, you need to get your tank, filter, and water heater so that you can cycle your tank appropriately. Plan to get these items about 4-6 weeks before getting your fish.
For more information, read through our complete guides to:
You don't have to install tank furniture, but it is recommended for environmental enrichment and can make your tank into an art piece! Hides are a great way to provide your fish with a refuge. Planted tanks are gorgeous, but they take more maintenance and planning. Artificial plants are a great alternative that can fool even the most eagle-eyed observer! Finally, there are a whole range of whimsical items that can add a bit of fun to your tank.
Bubblers can also be used to increase the oxygen content of the water. Although bettas can breathe air, sufficiently aerated water will reduce stress on your fish.
You can also add substrate like rocks and pebbles to the bottom for a more realistic look.
For all you ever need to know about tank decoration, check out our Guide to Setting up a Fish Tank.
Fighting fish are ideally fed a tiny amount of floating food 2-3 times a day, and have a range of miniature pellets specifically designed for them! Each feed should only consist of 2-3 pellets, and your fish should finish everything within 3-5 minutes. They can also have brine shrimp and bloodworms as an occasional treat.
For more information on feeding fish in general, check out our Fish Feeding Guide.
Tank cleaning should be done based on water quality testing. Test your water quality weekly until a steady tank cleaning schedule is achieved. After that, water quality should still be tested at least fortnightly. Any levels of nitrates or ammonia should prompt a water change. A change of 20-25% of the water every 1-2 weeks is normally sufficient, and after a few months you should have a good schedule going for your tank. Water changes of 50% or above should only be reserved for dangerous spikes in ammonia or nitrate content.
For everything you need to know about water quality and tank maintenance, check out our in-depth guides to:
To give your fighting fish the best life, it's essential to look past the common myths. These stunning and interactive fish deserve far more than a simple bowl.
A well-maintained aquarium of at least 15 litres, complete with a heater and filter, is the foundation for their health. By investing in the right setup, a quality diet, and regular water testing, you're not just keeping a pet - you're creating a thriving aquatic environment for a beautiful companion that can flourish for years.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Veterinarian, MANZCVS (Unusual Pets)
Dr. Nicole graduated from Murdoch University in WA in 2014, and immediately started working in exotics-only practice. She was also one of the few vets in Australia that would routinely see venomous snakes ranging from death adders to tiger snakes. Although Dr. Nicole enjoys seeing all exotic pets, her absolute favourite are rabbits. She passed her Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists Membership (MANZCVS) exam in unusual and exotic pets in 2021.
