The Betta Fish species, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, and nicknamed as “Fighter Fish” are some of the most beautiful fish you can have to adorn your aquarium. However, while these colorful, elegant, and aesthetically appealing fish can make a great addition to your fish tank, you should be careful about making them a part of your aquarium.

You must exercise caution because Betta Fish are markedly territorial and can exhibit unusually high levels of aggression. This disposition can lead to the death of other fish in your aquarium.

Why Do Betta Fish Fight?

This species of fish did not earn the name Siamese fighting fish for nothing. Their extreme territorial nature makes them unusually aggressive and most likely to fight any other fish they share their tank with. Thus, one of the main reasons for Betta fish fights is believed to be as a result of limited space. Usually, in the wild, there is much more space available for these fish to swim and also have their territory, but a small tank can be quite limiting to allow them such privileges.

Besides marking and protecting their territory, Betta fish fight due to the following reasons:

• The males instinctively fight one another on sight as they grow to become highly territorial in the wild, their natural habitat, due to the limited amount of food resources. They naturally compete for and guard the available food supply desperately within their territory.
• Another reason male Betta fish fight is to protect their bubble nests in the hope of attracting females. Therefore, allowing other males into their territory will mean that the invaders will challenge their chances of successful breeding.
• Intimidation is yet another reason why Betta fish engages in combat. Also, male Betta fish particularly like to attack other fish by biting their fins.
• Stress due to changes in water conditions can cause Bettas to fight. Even changes in aquarium decoration can cause stress due to an alteration to an already established territory. Unlike other Fish, Betta fish can be affected by water temperature and pH levels. They are known to thrive better in a water temperature of 76°F to 80°F, and a neutral pH level.
• Male Bettas can be aggressive towards the females as well, and the females can equally exhibit aggression towards each other within the community until a social order is established within the sorority.

How Do Betta Fish Fight?

Male Bettas usually initiate a fight by flaring or fanning out their fins and also puff their gills to appear larger and intimidating. Sometimes, this is only as far as the fight can get, if one or both fish retreats from the other.

But, if both ‘fighters” fail to retreat following the display, the combat will escalate. As the battle deepens, they both will circle each other while nipping at the scales, gills, tails, and fins of each other. This mode of fighting will continue until one male retreat. Otherwise, they will keep fighting until it ends in death. Though not literally as the fight in itself is not likely to kill a Betta, but the trauma, stress, and possible infection from injuries inflicted during the combat can lead to death.

The duration of the fights often depends on the level of aggression of the Betta fish involved. But most Betta fish fights in the wild ends almost immediately as they are not constrained for space in their natural habitat. However, for Bettas that are bred specifically for fighting, these fights can last up to 15 minutes to one hour, and will only end when one of the fish is dead.

Can You Prevent Betta Fish Fighting?

• Yes, it is possible to reduce the chance of fish fighting. Below are some tips to achieving this:
• Research and learn about other fish that can live in tranquility with Bettas.
• Keep your Betta alone in their tank, you don’t need to keep them with other fish.
• Learn about the temperament and aggression levels of specific Betta breeds before buying them.
• If you are looking to keep a variety of fish species together, use a large enough tank of, at least, about 10 to 20 gallons.
• Ensure that your tank decoration features enough rocks and plants that can serve as hiding spots for each fish.

How often do you feed betta fighting fish

You should feed betta fighting fish two times a day with small portions. If this is not possible, it is okay to feed a betta fighting fish once a day but with bigger portions.

Do betta fish fight all fish

Betta fish will only fight other betta fish. That means they will live peacefully with all other fish.

Final Thoughts

Although Betta fish are an interesting and sight pleasing species of fish that can incredibly improve the outlook of your aquarium, you must be aware of their distinct behavior and characteristics before adding them to your fish tank.