“Surely these beautiful and smart fish can’t get THAT big?” I’m sure you’ve seen at least one betta fish in an aquarium. They are often kept alone in a small fish tank. They’re the aggressive ones! The ones who will literally fight to their deaths if kept with another fish. But how big can bettas get?
These Siamese fighting fish are territorial, no doubt. But they survive only in freshwater and become fully-grown adults in 7 months. Their physical size, however, is often based on external circumstances. Like the environment, feeding, care, and habitation.
Image by Iva Balk from Pixabay
Don’t look puzzled – it gets interesting!
Table of Contents
How Big Can Bettas Fish Get?
The average size of a betta fish, at 11 weeks old, is 1.9 inches long. But that’s not the longest they can grow. A fully-grown betta fish can be as big as 3 inches. But this is only if they’re bred well, fed well, and kept well.
What factors must you take into consideration for this? Betta fish can live up to 2-4 years, that is their ideal age.
The size of their finnage depends on their health and environment. How clean the water is or their relationship with other fish. Fin rot is a common concern that could change affect finnage and overall well-being.
Males have larger fins than female betta fish. But their bodies, upon reaching adulthood, are the same size and shape. In fact, male betta fish look bulkier than female betta fish. So you can easily spot a difference between their sexes when you see one.
Most Beautiful Types of Betta Fish – Betta Fish Names
Can You Make A Bettas Fish Grow Bigger?
#1. Space
Many aquarium and pet owners make a mistake of keeping their betta fish in a confined space. This confined space is small, cramped, and often incompatible. Keeping them in a tank with at least a 5-gallons capacity is ideal.
#2. Cleanliness
Moving on, betta fish release a special hormone that is a growth inhibitor. So keeping the water clean and replacing it half of it at least once daily is important.
Buy a water filter for the 5-gallon water tank. It will be quiet and keep pumping clean water in. And even if you don’t have the time to replace 50% of the water every day, the water filter does it effortlessly.
#3. Temperature
Water temperature also plays a significant role in increasing the size of betta fish. The ideal average temperature is between 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Like I said before, betta fish are freshwater creatures. They need less stress and a consistent climate to grow.
The right thing to do would be to get a thermostat. This will monitor the water temperature so you know how to maintain it. Nothing about taking care of betta fish is easy and quick. But you can ease your maintenance with the help of such incredible aquarium tools.
#4. Food
Last but not least is nutrition. Protein and fiber are perfect growth enhancers. Look for fish food like shrimp, bloodworms, or food bits infused with vitamins. They not only keep your betta fish healthy, but they boost their immunity. A consistent and few-times-a-day diet is optimal.
It’s a great convenience that betta fish are omnivores. They eat anything from crickets to flies to shrimp. But shrimp and bloodworms are easier to attain for feeding betta fish. So stick to those to replenish their protein, vitamin, and fiber diet.
#5. Activity
It’s not enough to keep a betta fish in an empty water tank. Even if it’s just one fish and a small tank. Add some interesting plants or rocks or tunnels. Trust me; betta fish are intelligent creatures. They can figure out objects and tricks faster than any other domesticated fish.
A few objects inside the tank can encourage them to play, cooperate, and live happily. It’s the last thing you can do for your betta fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does Deteriorating Fins Mean Old Age? And Does That Affect Size?
If your betta fish’s fins seem spoiled or rotting, try cleaning the water tank. This is a sign of fin rot and not of old age. It has no direct effect on size but it does impact overall health. Your betta fish may lose appetite which may cause him/her to lose weight and look weak.
Make sure you remove all sharp toys like rocks or plants from the tank if you have any. The sharpness of such objects could be tearing the fin causing it to frail and thin.
Q2. Once My Betta Fish Grows Big Enough, Do They Have To Breed?
The ideal time for betta fish to breed is between 6 to 18 months. Under or above that age gap is not the most ideal time. Once the betta fish looks fully-grown – about 2-3 inches long – introduce to a new mating betta. But take it slow and know the right way to breed betta fish – these things take time!
Q3. How Can I Determine The Sex Of My Betta Fish?
Usually, the aquarium seller lets you know about this. But if that doesn’t happen, this is how you can find out.
The first way is by appearance. Adult male betta fish have longer fins than female betta fish. In about 2 months, there is a notable difference between a male and female betta fish. This includes the size and shape of their fins.
Male betta fish are prone to look longer and narrower than females. Females are stout and thicker in flesh.
There are multiple other ways to determine the sex of a betta fish. Like by their behavior, gills, aggression, etc. But we’re talking about size here. And so how big can betta get does have an impact on their gender.
Final Words – How Big Can Bettas Get?
Betta fish are famous for their aggressive and colorful attributes. They’re bold, beautiful, and instinctive creatures. Ranging from vibrant colors such as brown, grey, red, and pink. Some have different tail colors, some larger or smaller fins.
So if you’re buying betta fish for the first time. You’re supposed to know how big can betta get? And what you can do to impact their size and behavior?
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