Welcome to Wild Betta Blog — your complete guide to betta fish care. Whether you just brought home your first betta or you’re breeding wild species from Southeast Asia, you’ll find everything you need right here: tank setup, feeding, disease treatment, water parameters, species profiles, and more.
Use this page to find exactly what you’re looking for, or browse by topic below.
Quick Start: Betta Care Essentials
New to betta keeping? Start here. These guides cover the fundamentals every betta owner should know — from setting up your first tank to understanding what your betta eats, how warm the water should be, and how long these fish actually live.
- How to Take Care of a Betta Fish — The complete beginner care guide
- Wild Betta Fish 101 — Everything you need to know before getting started
- Free Betta Care Cheat Sheet — Download a printable quick-reference sheet
- Betta Fish Troubleshooting Guide — Step-by-step help when something seems wrong
- How Long Do Betta Fish Live? — Lifespan, factors, and how to help them thrive
Tank Setup & Equipment
A healthy betta starts with the right environment. These guides help you choose the best tank size, maintain proper water conditions, set up live plants, and create a habitat your betta will actually thrive in — not just survive.
- How to Choose the Right Betta Fish Tank
- The 5 Best 10-Gallon Betta Fish Tanks
- The Ultimate Guide to Betta Fish Water Parameters
- Creating the Perfect Temperature for Your Betta Fish
- Water Hardness for Betta Fish
- Best Live Plants for Betta Fish
- Indian Almond Leaves for Betta Fish
- How Long Do Indian Almond Leaves Last?
- How to Clean a Betta Fish Tank (Beginners)
- How to Set Up a Quarantine Tank
- Mason Jar Aquaponics
Feeding & Nutrition
Bettas are carnivores that need a protein-rich diet. These guides cover pellets, flakes, live food, feeding schedules, and what to do when your betta refuses to eat or starts spitting out food.
- Betta Fish Food — Complete Feeding Guide
- Betta Fish Pellets: The Staple Diet Every Betta Needs
- Can Betta Fish Eat Flakes?
- What Do Betta Fish Eat in the Wild?
- How Often to Feed Betta Fish
- How Long Can Betta Fish Go Without Food?
- Can Betta Fish Eat Goldfish Food?
- Betta Fish Spitting Out Food
- My Betta Won’t Eat — Causes & Solutions
Betta Fish Diseases & Health Problems
Betta fish are prone to several common diseases — most of which are preventable with good water quality and early detection. If your betta is showing signs of illness, use the table below to identify the problem and start treatment.
| Disease / Condition | Key Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Fin Rot | Ragged, blackened, or receding fin edges |
| Fin Rot vs. Fin Loss | How to tell damage from disease |
| Crowntail Betta Fin Rot | Fin rot specific to crowntail bettas |
| Ich (White Spot Disease) | White spots on body and fins, scratching |
| Velvet Disease | Gold or rust-colored dust on skin |
| Dropsy | Bloating, pinecone-like raised scales |
| Swim Bladder Disease | Floating sideways, sinking, or upside down |
| Columnaris | White or grayish patches, frayed fins, mouth fungus |
| Popeye | Swollen, bulging eye(s) |
| Betta Eye Problems | Cloudy eyes, swelling, vision issues |
| Hole in the Head Disease | Pitting or lesions on the head |
| Septicemia | Red streaks in fins or body, lethargy |
| Betta Fish Tumor | Visible lumps or growths |
| Constipation | Bloated belly, not pooping |
Also read: Complete Guide to Betta Fish Diseases & Ailments
Behavioral & General Health Concerns
Sometimes your betta isn’t technically sick — but something still isn’t right. These guides help you interpret warning signs and unusual behavior so you can act before things get worse.
- Signs of an Unhealthy or Dying Betta Fish
- Betta Fish Behavior Before Death
- Lethargic Betta Fish — Causes & What to Do
- Betta Fish Erratic Swimming
- Betta Fish Floating Upside Down
- Betta Fish Losing Color
- Betta Fish Losing Scales
- Betta Fish Tail Biting
Betta Fish Behavior & Compatibility
Bettas have a reputation for being aggressive — but the truth is more nuanced than most people think. These guides explore betta temperament, fighting behavior, tank mate compatibility, and how bettas breathe using their unique labyrinth organ.
- Are Betta Fish Aggressive?
- Do Betta Fish Fight?
- What Fish Can Live With Bettas?
- How Do Betta Fish Breathe?
Breeding & Raising Betta Fry
Breeding bettas is one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby. Whether you’re curious about the mating process or ready to raise fry, these guides walk you through courtship, egg care, and baby betta development from day one.
- How Do Betta Fish Mate?
- Is My Betta Fish Pregnant?
- Betta Fish Eggs — What to Expect
- Betta Fry — Raising Newborns
- Baby Betta Fish Care
- 10 Reasons You Need a Betta Fish Guide Book for Breeding
Wild Betta Species Profiles
There are over 70 recognized species of wild betta — and most look nothing like the pet-store betta you’re used to. Each species below has its own care guide covering tank setup, water parameters, diet, breeding behavior, and temperament.
Splendens Complex (Bubble Nesters)
The splendens complex includes the most well-known betta species. These are bubble-nesting fish native to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The domestic betta you see in pet stores was selectively bred from Betta splendens.
| Species | Origin | Temperament |
|---|---|---|
| Betta splendens | Thailand | Territorial — the classic domestic betta ancestor |
| Betta imbellis | Malaysia, Thailand | Peaceful — great for community tanks |
| Betta smaragdina | Thailand, Laos | Semi-aggressive — stunning iridescent scales |
| Betta stiktos | Thailand, Cambodia | Moderate — spotted patterning |
| Betta siamorientalis | Thailand | Peaceful — closely related to B. imbellis |
| Betta mahachaiensis | Thailand (brackish) | Semi-aggressive — tolerates slightly brackish water |
Mouth-Brooding Species
Mouth-brooders are wild bettas where the male carries fertilized eggs in his mouth for 10–14 days until the fry are ready to be released. These species tend to be calmer than bubble nesters and come from the blackwater streams and peat swamps of Borneo, Sumatra, and surrounding islands.
| Species | Origin | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Betta macrostoma | Borneo | The “King of Bettas” — large, colorful, rare |
| Betta channoides | Borneo | Small, snakehead-like — peaceful mouth-brooder |
| Betta rubra | Sumatra | Deep red coloration |
| Betta hendra | Borneo | Small, blackwater species — striking blue and red |
| Betta foerschi | Borneo | Hardy mouth-brooder — beginner-friendly |
| Betta pallifina | Borneo | Slender body — calm demeanor |
| Betta uberis | Borneo | Rare — vibrant coloring in males |
Other Wild Species
| Species | Origin | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Betta coccina | Malaysia, Sumatra | Tiny wine-red beauty — blackwater specialist |
| Betta falx | Sumatra | Sickle-shaped anal fin |
| Betta simplex | Thailand | Cave-dwelling — found in limestone karst streams |
| Betta prima | Thailand, Cambodia | Peaceful mouth-brooder — adaptable |
Explore all species: Complete Betta Species List | Wild Betta Types Explained
Betta Varieties & Tail Types
Domestic bettas have been bred into dozens of tail types, each with unique finnage and care considerations. Crowntails, for example, are especially prone to fin damage and need extra attention to water quality.
Wild Bettas: Origin, Habitat & Importing
Wild betta fish come from the shallow, warm, tannin-stained waters of Southeast Asia — a world away from the pet store cup. These guides explore where bettas live naturally, how to source wild-caught or captive-bred specimens responsibly, and how to replicate wild conditions at home.
Fun Stuff
- Betta Fish Name Generator — Need a name for your new betta? Try our generator.
Books, Products & Resources
Looking for trusted gear, deeper reading, or downloadable care guides? Browse our curated recommendations below.
- Betta Fish Food Guide
- Betta Fish Books
- Recommended Products
- Marketplace
- Shop / Purchase
- Free Betta Care Cheat Sheet (Download)
The Only Betta Care Guide You’ll Ever Need
Why This Guide Matters
💡 Designed for beginners—no science degree required, just clear, helpful betta care advice.
🐠 Most bettas die from preventable causes—this guide shows you how to avoid them.
⏱ You don’t have time to guess. Get fast answers and proven treatments that work.
🧪 Based on real experience—not vague forum advice or AI fluff.
Inside the Guide:
✅ Tank & Water Quality Secrets – Prevent illness before it starts
✅ Diet & Feeding Schedules – Avoid bloating, constipation, and stress
✅ 10+ Diseases Explained with Photos – With step-by-step instructions
✅ Visual Symptom Chart – Spot problems instantly
✅ Medication Cheat Sheet – Know what to use and when
✅ Emergency Action Plan – Act fast when every second counts
✅ Printable Checklists & Logs – Stay organized during recovery
eBook Sample:
What You’ll Gain:
🎯 Confidence to treat any betta illness without second-guessing
🧼 A healthier, cleaner, stress-free tank your betta will thrive in
📘 A simple system that makes advanced fish care easy for anyone
🔁 Printable routines that keep your tank on track
❤️ Peace of mind—know you’re doing it right
You’re Not Just Getting a Guide…
- 📘 Full Betta Care eBook – Diagnosis + treatment in one place
- 📊 Water Testing Mini-Guide – Know what the numbers mean
- 📅 Feeding & Fasting Calendar – Prevent bloating, aid digestion
- ✅ Healthy Betta Checklist – Daily, weekly, monthly tasks
- 💊 Medication Tracker – Never miss a dose
- 🚨 Emergency Cheat Sheet – Act fast when your fish needs you most
Instant download — nothing physical ships.
Instant digital download — nothing physical ships.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work if I only have a 2-gallon tank?
Yes—but you’ll need to be even more consistent with water changes. This guide helps you manage small tanks safely.
I’ve tried other betta guides and still lost fish. What makes this different?
This bundle is clear, actionable, and comes with trackers and visuals. No fluff. No guessing. Just what works.
Can I use this even if my betta seems healthy?
Yes! It’s easier to prevent illness than treat it. This helps you catch problems early and build a better tank routine.
Is this a physical book?
No. It’s a digital download you can access instantly. You can view it on any device or print it out.
Can I get help if I have a question?
Absolutely. Email info@wildbettablog.com and we’ll help you directly.
Is there a refund policy?
Since it’s digital, all sales are final. But if you have trouble accessing it, just email us—we’ll make it right.
Instant digital download — nothing physical ships.
Useful Links:
Betta Fish Fin Rot Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment