Paradise Betta: Overview, Care Guide, & More

Paradise Bettas are a common but magnificent betta variety.

This species is a member of the Betta splendens complex, originating in Southeast Asia. These bettas occur naturally in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia. 

These tropical fish are used to sluggish waters, lots of vegetation, and warm water temperatures. 

Appearance

Paradise Bettas boast slim, blue bodies accented by yellow fins and tails. 

Since betta fish are sexually dimorphic, male and female bettas have differences in appearance. In this case, female Paradise Bettas tend to have duller coloring and less prominent fins than males. 

Lifespan

Paradise Bettas can live from two to five years in captivity. 

You may be able to extend your betta’s life through proper care and an optimal environment. 

Average Size

Paradise Bettas grow from 2-3″ inches in length, with males being larger than females.

Proper diet and care is the best way to ensure proper growth in young bettas.

Provide your Paradise Bettas with a protein-rich diet consisting of various food products. Further, keep the tank water within optimal parameters and work to keep your betta fish healthy. 

Paradise Betta Care

Betta experts agree: Paradise Bettas require a moderate level of care. Since it’s a member of the Betta splendens complex, its care requirements are similar. 

Tank Size

We recommend a minimum tank size of five or 10 gallons for a single Paradise betta fish. Since bettas are territorial fish, they require ample space to swim in solitude. 

To house several bettas in a sorority or community tank, opt for a tank size of at least 15 gallons. 

Further, ensure not to crowd the tank with excessive decorations or plants. There needs to be plenty of space at the top of the tank for your bettas to come up and breathe. 

Water Parameters

Paradise Bettas need specific water parameters to thrive. It’s crucial to check water temperatures and pH levels frequently. 

Further, ensure the ammonia levels and other toxins remain as close to zero as possible. 

Performing regular water changes is an excellent way to keep tank water within optimal parameters. Aim to change out 20% to 25% of the water at least once weekly.

Also, consider buying an aquarium water conditioner. Applying this to the new water with every change helps keep toxin levels low. 

What To Put In Their Tank

Betta tanks consist of several essential components. In addition to ensuring an optimal tank setup, ensure your bettas have a quiet and dim environment.

Here’s what to include as part of your Paradise Betta tank setup: 

Substrate

Paradise betta fish require a substrate at the bottom of their tank. 

Opt for gravel or plant substrate of a neutral color. Bright colors cause elevated stress and aggression levels in betta fish. 

Filter

Install a low-flow filter in the betta aquarium. This will keep the water circulating and remove harmful substances from the water. 

The low-flow design is essential to your bettas’ safety. This design poses less risk to their delicate fins than more powerful options. 

Heater

An aquarium heater will keep the water within optimal temperatures.

This means you won’t have to worry about constantly checking the water temperature or making necessary adjustments. 

Lighting

We recommend including aquarium lighting as part of your setup. 

Opt for a lighting solution which allows you to choose a light-dark cycle. This will help regulate your bettas’ circadian rhythms and allow aquarium plants to grow better. 

Plants

Since Paradise Bettas are used to shallow waters with plenty of plants, we recommend including aquarium plants. 

If possible, add some live plants to the aquarium. Here are some great options: 

• Anubias
• Java fern
• Java moss
• Betta bulb
• Water sprite

You may also choose to include artificial plants. This is fine, but we recommend avoiding plastic plants—they may have sharp edges and damage your bettas’ fins. 

Instead, opt for ceramic or silicone plants. These have smoother surfaces and are less likely to harm your bettas.

Hiding Places

Paradise Bettas are a somewhat territorial and aggressive fish. 

One way to reduce stress levels in betta fish is to give them plenty of hiding spots. This increases their sense of privacy, allowing them to live more peacefully with other fish. 

Driftwood and tank decorations are great options. They both provide bettas with places to hide away and driftwood, in particular, releases essential tannins into the water.

Possible Diseases

Paradise Bettas are not prone to any particular disease or health issue. But they may still fall victim to any number of common betta diseases and infections: 

• Dropsy
• Swim bladder disease
• Popeye
• Ich
• Tail and fin rot
• Flukes
• Anchor worms
• Betta fish lice

Keep your bettas healthy by maintaining optimal tank conditions. Also, feed them a varied and protein-rich diet to boost their immune systems. 

Watch your bettas for any of the most common signs of illness in bettas:

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Bloating
• Flashing behavior
• Discoloration
• Fin or scale damage

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, take your Paradise Betta to a vet. They will provide a diagnosis and suggest treatment options. 

Food & Diet

Paradise Bettas need a varied diet rich in both protein and fiber. It’s best to feed them a variety of different food types: 

• Live foods. In their natural environments, Paradise Bettas eat a variety of live foods. These include bloodworms and baby brine shrimp. Live foods are more expensive than other types but are high in protein and other nutrients.
• Frozen foods. This is another high-protein option, and it’s easier to handle than live foods. 
• Freeze-dried foods. Many betta keepers find freeze-dried betta food to be a convenient option. It provides ample nutrients without the hassles of dealing with live or frozen foods. It’s also more affordable. 
• Pellets. Betta pellets have high nutritional value, and they’re affordable. Additionally, they are convenient to clean up after feeding.
• Flakes. Most bettas prefer pellets over flakes, which are another convenient and nutrient-dense option. 

Another feeding tip: Don’t overfeed your bettas!

This may cause a variety of digestive issues, including constipation. Further, many betta varieties are prone to obesity. 

Overfeeding also has the potential to cause increased ammonia levels in the tank. Remove uneaten food after every feeding to help avoid this issue. 

Behavior & Temperament

Paradise Bettas are a moderately aggressive and territorial variety. 

This means it’s best to avoid housing males together. The two males would fight and possibly kill each other.

It’s normally fine to house a male Paradise Betta in a community tank with different species. However, if you notice aggression issues, remove the betta to a separate tank. 

Tank Mates

This species of betta fish tends to do well in community tanks. Additionally, you may house a few female bettas together in a sorority setup. 

Here are a few great tank mate options for your community betta fish tank: 

• Crayfish
• Tetras
• Guppies
• Rasboras
• Snails
• Shrimp

Of course, housing a single betta fish in an aquarium is acceptable as well. Due to their territorial nature, male bettas do just fine living by themselves. 

Breeding

Like other varieties of Betta splendens, Paradise Bettas are bubble nesters. 

This means the male betta creates a bubble nest near the surface of the water. He does this to impress the female, though the nest also protects the eggs after mating. 

Paradise Betta Breeding Practices

To begin the breeding process for your Paradise Bettas, follow these steps: 

1. Set up a separate breeding tank. It should have warmer water temperatures than the original tank(s), as well as a clear divider in the middle. 
2. Place your breeding pair into the tank. Put the female into the tank first, and let her adjust to the new water conditions. Then, put the male in the other side of the tank. 
3. Let them get used to each other. This might take a few days or weeks. The male will work on building a betta bubble nest during this time. If impressed, the female will show physical signs of being ready to mate. 
4. Once the female is ready to mate, remove the divider from the tank. The two will eventually engage in a courtship or mating dance. This dance is intended to fertilize as many of the female’s eggs as possible. 
5. After mating, remove the female from the tank. The male will become aggressive towards her as he guards the fertilized eggs. He will watch the eggs nonstop, threaten other fish, and scoop eggs back into the nest if they fall out.
6. Wait about two to three for the eggs to hatch. During this time, the male betta fish will guard and protect the eggs. Once the fry hatch, he will no longer look after them, so it’s best to remove the male at this point.

Of course, you’ll now have several betta fry to take care of. 

Price

Since Paradise Bettas are so common and easy to find, they come at a reasonable price. 

Generally speaking, this species of betta goes for around $10 to $20. You may pay more for a Paradise Betta with especially vibrant coloring. 

Rarity

The Paradise Betta is extremely common, being a variety of Betta splendens. 

However, bettas featuring exceptionally vibrant coloration or more flourishing fins may be considered rarer. 

FAQ 

Still have questions about this beautiful fish species? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions. 

Raise a Healthy Paradise Betta

This beautiful betta fish is a great option for beginners and experienced betta keepers alike. 

Thos being said, this tropical fish has various care needs to be met. If you’re new to the hobby, it may be overwhelming to tackle everything yourself. 

Follow Betta Fish Bay for all the best information, tips, and betta fish products. 

With an ally by your side, you’ll provide your Paradise Betta with a long and comfortable life.