Last Updated: 05/05/2026
Siamese Fighting Fish Facts & Myths: Ultimate Betta Care Guide
Wondering about getting Siamese Fighting Fish? Take a look at some facts and myths about Bettas!
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
If there were ever a fish to be crowned royalty, we think it would be the Siamese fighting fish. These incredible fish, also known as the Betta fish (or Betta splendens), are renowned for their vivid colors and ethereal fins, which take on forms that resemble everything from a flowing veil to an elephant's ear.
But while beautiful, there are many myths that surround Siamese fighting fish care. From bowl sizes to their breathing habits, before you bring a Betta home, let's bust some of the biggest myths and learn how to provide the best environment for your pet.
In this article
- Do they actually fight?
- Can they live in tiny tanks?
- Do they need a filter?
- Can they really breathe air?
- Can they live in a vase with a plant?
- Blowing bubbles at the surface is good?
- Are baby betta raised by their dads?
- Do they live long?
- Betta cannot live with other species?
- The brighter they are, the happier they are?
1. Do fighting fish actually fight?
Yes! We probably didn't need to tell you this one. Captive Siamese fighting fish were bred especially for fighting, and in the past, they grew in popularity to the point where the King of Thailand started licensing fights and collecting these fish around 1840. And yes, even the females fight if placed together!
2. Can Siamese fighting fish live in tiny tanks?
No! This must be the biggest misconception out there! When searching for a tank for their Betta, people often believe that their fish will be able to live in a tiny bowl or even a cup because Bettas live in shallow pockets of water in the wild (or in small containers at the pet store).
While they do live in shallow water in the wild, these creeks and rice paddies stretch for miles and miles, giving wild Bettas plenty of room to move. If you're looking for a tank for your Siamese fighting fish, it's best to ignore the small cup you bought them in at the store. For a single Betta, you need at least a 9.5-litre aquarium (but ideally 20 litre or more!) for them to be happy and healthy.
3. Do fighting fish need a filter?
Yes! Many people believe Betta fish don't need a filter because in the wild they live in muddy water. But, muddy water doesn't necessarily mean dirty water. You are much better off cycling the tank and keeping it clean like any other fish tank, which includes a weekly 10% water change. Fin, tail, and mouth rot will infect them otherwise. Betta fish also don't like swimming against currents, so you'll need a low-flow filter. Plus, Betta splendens are much different from their wild cousins; they have been selectively bred, so they do not appreciate the same harsh conditions.
4. Can Bettas breathe air?
Yes! They totally can, and we think that's awesome! Bettas both in captivity and in the wild have a special organ known as the labyrinth organ, which allows them to breathe air from the surface. This is how they survive in waters with low-oxygen content, such as shallow rice paddies or stagnant ponds.
5. Can they live in a vase with a plant?
No! This is not true for many reasons, but the two most important are:
- Your Siamese fighting fish needs room to swim, which is far more space than a small vase can provide.
- They are omnivores. Your fish cannot solely eat the plant's waste; they require insects and a high-protein, nutritionally balanced diet.
6. Is a Betta bubble nest a good sign?
Yes! A bubble nest is a great indication that your Betta is happy and healthy enough in its tank to consider it safe and healthy enough to breed. However, no bubbles are not a cause for concern. If your tank filter has any sort of current that the fish notices, he may be less inclined to build a nest.
7. Are baby Bettas raised by their dads?
Yes! In fact, male betta will chase away the female of a breeding pair once eggs have been spawned (in case she eats the eggs!), and will diligently look after the eggs to make sure they don't fall to the bottom of the tank. Father of the year, much?
8. Do Siamese fighters have a short lifespan?
No! While some Siamese fighting fish owners claim to have given their betta the bare minimum in care and still had it live for a year or two, betta can actually live up to five years with proper care.
9. Can Betta fish live with other species?
Yes! With the right introductions, betta can live in what's called a community tank. Some other fish species bettas tend to get along with are tetras, guppies, shrimp, snails, platies and loaches. Rest assured however, that betta are not schooling fish - they are more than happy to live on their own.
10. Do brighter colours mean a happier Betta?
Yes! A vivid betta is a happy betta - but betta do change colours throughout their life, such as the point where they are fully mature, or as a response to stress or disease. But as a general rule of thumb, yes: if your betta is looking radiant, they are likely quite happy...and doesn't everyone want that from their pet?
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 5 May 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
