Last updated on August 27th, 2022 at 10:08 am
Black orchid betta fish are unique and beautiful tropical fish that make excellent pets. Although the majority of pet owners choose to only have one black orchid betta fish in their tank, those who own larger tanks can safely house more than one at a time.
However, it’s important to follow some specific care guidelines to make sure your black orchid betta fish stays healthy and happy in your home.
Black orchid betta fish are characterized by their black coloration all over their body and fins. They are unique because of their long and flowing finnage. They are beautiful but do require more care than your standard betta fish because of their delicate finnage, which can easily be damaged. Here’s how to properly care for your fish!
Origin and descriptions
Black orchids, also known as betta splendens, are the most typical variety of betta pets. They are native to Thailand’s Mekong and Phraya rivers, where they can be found living in ponds, marshes, and flood plains.
The fish is a common species of fighting fish. In Thailand, it’s called Plakad Fim (ไพลกดํา) or ghost betta due to its black coloration. Though native to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, it has been introduced elsewhere through international trade and nowadays exists in most tropical parts of Asia and Europe.
Black Orchids are very territorial and should be kept alone if possible. They will fight with other Black Orchids as well as with other types of bettas. It is best to keep them in tanks by themselves, although they can be kept with other non-aggressive species such as guppies or mollies if kept at least 4 feet apart from each other.
A black orchid betta fish (simply called a black orchid) is another of those betta fish that was developed by an aquarist. It is really a beautiful fish, with white and black markings on its fins. The coloring makes it easy to see why an aquarist decided to create it in his home aquarium.
Species profile
Black orchid betta fish belong to the family of Osphronemidae and are native to Thailand. They’re a medium-sized species of fighting fish and are also known as Siamese fighting fish. Males have longer fins than females and are more colorful in general.
The fish prefer a water temperature between 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit, but can survive in temperatures ranging from 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Because they are sensitive to changes in water quality, it is important that you use an aquarium filter to keep your fish healthy.
They should be fed once daily with live food such as brine shrimp and daphnia, though some owners choose to feed them every other day with dried pellets. You may need a tank divider if you want your black orchid betta fish to breed; males will fight each other if kept together for too long.
They have been bred into several varieties: black, blue, chocolate, green and red. They are all still quite rare though so don’t expect to find them at your local pet store any time soon!
Habitat
Bettas live in stagnant, shallow water, including floodplains, marshes, and rice paddies, in the Mekong and Phraya river basins in Thailand.
Size
Black orchid betta fish can grow up to 3 inches (8 cm) in length.
Tank size
Due to their size, the minimum recommended tank size is 10 gallons.
Tank requirements
The black orchid betta fish is a long-lived species of fish and can live up to five years in captivity. A standard-sized aquarium is fine for bettas but they require a lot of space so a larger tank will allow them to swim more. Bettas thrive in temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with slightly cooler water at night.
The ideal pH level for your betta’s water is 6.5, though keeping it anywhere from 6.6 to 7 will be suitable as well if necessary. Ammonia levels should always be 0 ppm, nitrites should never exceed 5 ppm and nitrates should not exceed 20 ppm.
If ammonia or nitrites are detected in your betta’s water then do a 25% water change immediately. Bettas are carnivorous creatures that need protein to survive; their diet must consist of mostly small insects such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
Tank mates
Bettas need to be kept alone. While they can be housed with other fish in an aquarium, they are so territorial that they will fight and injure or kill other fish in their immediate surroundings.
A black orchid betta fish will sometimes fight with other fish species. As such, it’s best to keep them in a tank of their own. They are also aggressive towards each other, so plan on keeping only one per tank. Don’t be surprised if they constantly nip at your fingers. It’s something that you have to deal with when keeping a black orchid betta fish as your pet.
If you, however, want to give your betta a company, some good tank mates are Clown loaches, mollies, and platys. These fish tend to stay away from each other and they can live in harmony with a black orchid betta fish. It’s important to have at least one bottom dweller (e.g., loach) with your betta because they tend to jump out of their tanks when feeling threatened. The bottom dwellers will help keep them grounded so that they don’t hurt themselves when jumping out of their tanks.
Breeding
Your black orchid betta fish need to be introduced to a breeding tank slowly, so you can breed it. To prevent territorial aggression, you should separate the breeding tank from the fish’s permanent habitat. Breeding success is more likely with Bettas that were bonded at an early age.
Make sure your Betta is healthy and well-nourished by feeding them a high-protein diet. After he gets accustomed to his new breeding tank, the male will create a bubble nest on the surface of the water. To ensure that all eggs remain safe, the male will move them into a bubble nest after spawning.
The male protects the nest until the eggs hatch. The female should be moved back to her normal tank after spawning. The male can be moved before or after the eggs hatch, but he might eat the newly emerged fry if left with them for long.
Are they aggressive or peaceful?
Betta types are known to be very aggressive and territorial, so, care should be taken when adding any other types of fish to their tank.
Black orchid betta fish care
Black orchids are relatively easy to care for. The three most important factors when caring for these fish are clean water, a healthy diet, and good water parameters. Black orchid betta fish must be kept in clean water at all times. Do weekly water changes to keep your fish happy and healthy.
Feed them fresh vegetables and pellets about once a day or every other day to keep them well-nourished. To ensure your black orchid stays fit, make sure you give him enough room in his tank. Place some driftwood or other decorations around the tank so he can swim around freely. You can also set up an air pump to provide some current for your betta to swim against.
Lifespan
This type of fish can live up to 3 years with good care and proper water parameters.
Parasites and diseases
The next threat to your betta’s health is parasites and diseases. While bettas are immune to a number of diseases, many still die from the illness. Parasites can be more devastating; they affect your fish’s skin, fins, and internal organs. Luckily, you can protect your betta with simple treatment; consult with a vet or research online to learn how to treat any parasites that may be attacking your pet.
Be sure to also do regular water changes and provide plenty of clean, fresh water for your betta. Bettas love clean water!
Do they make good pets?
Bettas have become popular pets because of their wide variety of colors and beautiful fins. However, these fish are often purchased without owners knowing how to care for them properly. If you think you’re ready to take on a betta fish as a pet, follow the tips in this guide for ensuring that your new buddy is living in the proper habitat and getting all of his nutritional needs met. This will ensure that he stays healthy and happy!
