how long do bettas usely live for?

Answer 1

A properly cared for betta, in captivity, can live 3-4 years. In the wild, their lifespan is about 5-7 years.

However, in captivity, bettas frequently dont' live past a year, because they are crammed into little jars or vases with no heat or filtration, which makes them sick, and most bettas don't live long in those conditions. Just like all other fish, they need real tanks with an appropriate heating device, and filtration.

Edit* Bettas can breathe from the air, and they are adapted to do so, but that is not the main reason that filtration is necessary. Filtration is necessary to keep the ammonia and nitrite levels down in the tank water. And just because bettas CAN breathe air, doesn't mean that is best. They don't live in stagnant puddles, they live in large, shallow, warm ponds. However, they can survive in shallow puddles for brief periods of time thanks to their labyrinth organ. Take a person, for example; you're warm blooded and equipped to withstand cold temperatures. I could put you outside at 5F and you'd be fine for a little while. But would you want to live like that?

Answer 2

A betta can live 3-5 years if properly cared for. This means that it isn't jammed into a small glass with no heater or filtration.

While bettas CAN survive in such a container it will not be a long life. All fish need some sort of filtration system to have a healthy life, and bettas are no exception to this.

I strongly encourage anyone who gets a betta to get a 5 gallon tank at a minimum with at least a penguin mini for filter.

Answer 3

On average, a well cared for betta will live 5-7 years.

However, most bettas only live 2-3 due to poor water conditions, and tiny tanks.

Answer 4

Wow. I just lost Jacob today. I have had Jacob for over 8 years. I have two other betas and they all love each other they have been in the same bowel with a gold fish and sucker fish. Dynamo also a male is three years old. I noticed about a week ago Jacob's body was turning yellow. He also was going into a shelter shell more. This morning I found him at the bottom of the tank. I was hoping he would live forever. He was my first Beta, when I brought home dynamo I put there tanks next to each other. They quickly became friends. Then I put them in a tank with a divider, no problems, took out the divider, never had any problems. When I brought home Rose another male beta, again put his small tank next to the other fish, he looked liked he wanted to be friends so I put him in the tank after two days. This morning both Rose and dynamo where swimming around unusually, I looked for Jacob in the shell then discovered him at the bottom of the tank. All his body parts are in take. People were always amazed sense it has been said male betas are fighter fish. My fish have never shown any SIGHNS of fighting. Dynamo and Rose seem to be very up set. I did removed Jacob and cleaned the bowel. I have also always removed my fish by hand not a net. They come to the top of the water when they see me and blow bubbles. My grandchildren and guest were always shocked and would watch in disbelieve. I have a year old dragon lizard a 38 year old cockatiel and a 11 year old love bird. All my animals get along and have never tried to hurt each other. I do not clip my birds wings. Although I did think betas could live a lot longer. I think they could feel my love, and in return all my pets are very loving!

Answer 5

the record is 10 years, but normal lifespan in captivity for a well cared for betta is about 7 years, most bettas live only up to 3 years because their owners do not care for them properly and keep their water too cool or in too small of a container.

Answer 6

Some of mine have lived to 5 years. Some of them were "rescues" from teeny fish store bowls and lived a year or 2 after they got moved to larger, heated tanks. I always thought that they could have lived much longer if they hadn't had to live in those filthy little bowls.

Answer 7

My bettas have lived 2 and 3 years...they do fare better in a properly heated and roomy tank, but filtration is not required...as they are air breathers. They swim to the top and take a "gulp" of air. In the wild they live in flooded rice patties, puddles and drainage ditches...stagnant water...so that is why they breathe as they do. Just make sure there is room for the betta to breathe and never put a tightly closed lid over them.

Here's more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bettas

Answer 8

3-7

Answer 9

2-3 years on average.

Answer 10

Two to five years on average, while some specimens have lived much longer in captivity.