This is a question from my Granddaughter, not me. I am just demonstrating Yahoo Q&A to her, so be nice please.
2006-12-08 07:12:42 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
They do not die quickly if properly cared for. Generally they live 2 years, but if kept healthy they can live upwards of 5 years in age.
Learn how to properly keep a betta at www.bettatalk.com
2006-12-08 07:15:41 · answer #1 · answered by lunar_flame 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, people tend to put bettas in fish bowls and wonder why they only live for a few months.
Bettas are not 'seasonal fish' - a healthy betta should live a minimum of 3 years. In the wild, they can live 5-6 years. 3-4 is a good lifespan for a captive betta but realistically it tends to be more like 1-2 years because of improper care.
Bettas are from Thailand, where the water is 80F. They do not come from tiny, dirty mud puddles. They have open, flowing water with plants and other fish, etc.
In a small tank/bowl, the water temperature is usually around 65-70F, even if the room is 80F. This lowers immune systems, making bettas susceptible to diseases like dropsy, finrot, fungus, etc. It also decreases their metabolism which can lead to impaction which will, if not treated, kill the betta.
In addition to the lower temperatures, the water is frequently dirty. Bettas produce toxic ammonia (all fish do) and it just adds up in the water. If it is not promptly removed - water changes should be done a daily basis - the betta will suffer from ammonia poisoning. It is also painful, and makes them more prone to diseases.
And, lastly, in a tiny bowl, these fish just can't move much, which does eliminates the possibility of a tough, robust fish.
A betta fish kept in a real tank, with a filter and a heater, can be expected to live for several years.
2006-12-08 07:37:58 · answer #2 · answered by Zoe 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It depends on a lot of things.
1. How they were treated in the pet store - were children banging on the fishbowl?
2. Are you feeding them too much?
3. (This is the big one) Do you have two or more of them in the same bowl together? Another common name if Bettas is "Siamese Fighting Fish" and they really do fight. A lot! The males are the colorful ones, and each one thinks he's more handsome than all the others. They will try to beat up anyone that doesn't agree!
I hope you found this helpful. Good luck with your fish!
2006-12-08 07:18:37 · answer #3 · answered by grinonli 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had 3 Betta's for over a year and they are doing just fine. Maybe the ph was off the water had to much chlorine in it. The fish might have been sick when you bought it. Just a few thoughts. Maybe take it back to the place you bought it and asked them if they have had a problem with that shipment of fish. It is not always the new fish owners fault when a fish dies.
2006-12-08 18:33:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been told that Betta fish have a general aquarium life expectancy of 3 years, which is less than wild Betta, due to inbreeding.
With proper water conditions and care, a young (small) Betta from the local fish store should live three years easily (my first one got to four years old).
If they die more quickly than that, it is because they are in poor health to begin with, and/or are not receiving adequate care.
2006-12-08 07:28:03 · answer #5 · answered by Lady G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
^-^ Well that's awfully nice of you. Bettas shouldn't die if properly taken care of. How old is your granddaughter?
2006-12-09 21:06:36 · answer #6 · answered by yami_mani 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
they arent supposed to have alot of water also if it is in with other fish they might tease and bite at it. you cant put two males in together.
2006-12-08 07:17:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋