Betta Fish Behavior

Betta Fish Behavior: Five Things You Need to Know

If you are looking for insights into betta fish behavior, you have come to the right place. Our experts have been studying the behavior patterns of rumble fish for years.

Predicting what a fighting fish is going to do is never easy. That is what makes it so interesting to have them in your aquarium! Here is a list of the top five things to watch for in your betta fish aquarium.

1) Lover or Fighter: How do we know when a betta fish is going to fight? How do we know when it is looking to mate? Some of the signs are very similar!

In both cases, the males and females will puff out their gill covers. This is done to appear more impressive for a fight or a mating ritual. How can we tell the difference?

2) It’s in the Stripes: If a rumble fish is displaying horizontal stripes, it is typically stressed or feeling threatened. This betta fish behavior usually signals that your fighting fish is ready to defend its territory.

If, on the other hand, you notice that your rumble fish is displaying vertical stripes, it is generally looking to mate. This is a critical distinction for aquarium enthusiasts who are interesting in breeding their own betta fish.

3) The Aggressive Males: While the males are always more striking to look at than the females, they are also far more aggressive. Finding potential tank mates for your betta fish can be very challenging.

The males will decide what their territory is, and then violently defend it. This is one of their natural characteristics that can be witnessed just as easily in the rice paddies of Thailand.

4) Always Curious: Unlike many other aquarium fish, bettas are interested in what is going on outside of its tank. Many rumble fish owners have described this betta fish behavior. They often feel that their fighting fish watches them as much as they watch their betta.

5) Bubble Nest Builders: At the surface of your tank, usually near the aquarium plants if they reach the surface, your male betta will build a bubble nest in anticipation of mating. This is a sure sign that the male is ready to mate.

It is actually the male betta that takes on all of the parenting tasks. In fact, the female is likely to eat her own eggs if you don’t remove her from the aquarium immediately after the mating process. Talk about quirky betta fish behavior!