Ultimate Alien Betta Care Guide 101: Look, Diet & All

The Alien Betta is one of many beautiful and exotic betta fish species. They are also known as "Siamese fighting fish." These fish are native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Thailand and Laos. Alien Bettas get their name from their unique head shape, which is said to resemble that of an alien's head.

They are a popular choice for aquariums and make great pets. However, they can be aggressive toward other fish, so it's essential to consider that when choosing tank mates.

If you are thinking about keeping an Alien Betta in your aquarium, this is your care guide.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for your Alien Betta, including tank setup, diet, and common health problems. So, let's get started!

Alien Betta: Species Summary
Alien Betta: Food & Diet
Alien Betta: Care Guide
Advantages Of Having Alien Betta In Your Tank
Disadvantages Of Having Alien Betta In Your Tank
Wrapping Up

Alien Betta: Species Summary

Scientific Name:	Betta smaragdina
Common Names:	Alien Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish, Emerald Green betta, Blue betta
Family:	Osphronemidae
Colors:	Black and brown patterns
Origin:	Southeast Asia
Size:	2 to 3 inches
Lifespan:	Up to 4 years
Aggression Level:	Moderate to high
Habitat:	Slow-moving freshwater rivers
Behavior:	Territorial and aggressive
Minimum tank size:	5 gallons
Temperature range:	75°-85°Fahrenheit
pH range:	6.8-7.0
Water Hardness:	Soft to medium
Activity Level:	Moderate
Gender Differences:	Males have longer fins
Care Level:	Moderate
Compatibility:	Other small freshwater fish
Breeding:	Moderate
Diet:	Carnivore
Feeding frequency:	1-2 times per day

It is a tropical freshwater fish and is a member of the Osphronemidae family, which includes other betta fish species, such as the Siamese fighting fish. These fish inhabit slow-moving rivers, canals, and ponds. The scientific name for the Alien Betta is Betta smaragdina.

The "splendens" part of its name means "brilliant" or "colorful," which is an accurate description of this fish. Alien Bettas are black and brown with patterns that resemble those of a zebra or tiger. There are numerous types of Alien Betta fish, each with its unique coloration and pattern.

The Alien Betta is an 'anabantoid' fish, which means it has a special organ that allows it to breathe air. This is why you will often see these fish swimming up to the water's surface to take a gulp of air.

They are solitary fish that is territorial and aggressive towards other fish. It is essential to choose tank mates carefully as they can be aggressive towards other fish.

The cost of an Alien Betta fish can vary depending on the type, color, and pattern. However, on average, you can expect to pay $10-$20 for one of these fish. But you may find them for less or more, depending on where you purchase them.

Alien Betta: Appearance

The Alien Betta is found in numerous different colors and patterns. However, they are all black and brown with patterns that resemble those of a zebra or tiger. The most common type of them is the 'black lace.' Other popular types include the 'tiger,' 'zebra,' and 'marbled.'

This unusual appearance has made them one of the most popular freshwater fish among aquarists. The Alien Betta has a magnificent tail and long fins. The male Alien Bettas have longer fins and brighter colors than the females.

The body of an Alien Betta is oval-shaped and compressed. They have a small mouth located at the bottom of their head. Their fins are long and flowing. The dorsal fin is tall and spike-like, while the anal and pectoral fins are shorter. The caudal fin is forked and fan-like.

They are used for communication, balance, and propulsion. They are also used for defense, as the Alien Betta can use them to lash out at predators or rivals. The females are typically smaller than the males and have shorter fins.

Alien Betta: Size & Growth Rate

The size of an Alien Betta fish can vary depending on the type. However, they grow to be 2 to 3 inches in length on average.

The growth rate of an Alien Betta fish is relatively fast. They can reach their full size within 6 months to 1 year.

Alien Betta: Lifespan

Lifespan in captivity: The lifespan of an Alien Betta fish in captivity is typically 4 years. But with proper care, they can live for 5 years or longer.

Lifespan in the wild: The lifespan of an Alien Betta fish in the wild is typically 5 years or longer. However, their lifespan can be shortened by predators and environmental conditions.

Alien Betta: Breeding

Breeding Alien Betta is not difficult, but it does require some patience. The first thing you need to do is to choose a male and female that are healthy and have good coloration.

Next, you will need to prepare a breeding tank. It should be at least 10 gallons and should have a sponge filter. The water should be clean and well-filtered.

The temperature should be between 78° to 85°Fahrenheit. You will also need to add some plants to the tank for the fry to hide in.

When ready to breed, you must add the male and female to the tank. The male will chase the female and try to bite her. This is normal behavior and is not harmful.

Once the female has been chased for a while, she will release her eggs. The male will then fertilize them. After fertilizing the eggs, the female should be removed from the tank. The eggs will hatch in about 3-5 days. The fry will be free-swimming in about 7-10 days.

At this point, you can start feeding them live food, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. You should also continue to provide plenty of hiding places for the fry. As they grow, you can start feeding them pellets and flakes.

Alien Betta: Behavior & Temperament

Because the male Alien Betta is so territorial, keeping only one per tank is best. If you must keep more than one, make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and a large tank.

The female Alien Betta is not as aggressive as the male and can be kept in groups. However, they should still be provided with plenty of hiding places.

And, if you prefer a community tank, it is best to choose peaceful fish that are not aggressive.

The Alien Betta is a peaceful fish not known to be aggressive. However, the male can be territorial and may become aggressive toward other males. They should be paired with small, peaceful fish that are not aggressive.

When they are relaxed and happy, they will often swim near the water's surface. They also enjoy resting on plants and leaves.

Alien Betta: Food & Diet

The Alien Betta is carnivorous, and their diet should consist of live food, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. They will also accept frozen food, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms. It should be fed meaty foods a few times a week.

They also require a source of vegetable matter in their diet. It can be provided by blanched vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, and zucchini.

For snacks, they will also accept pellets and flakes.

Alien Betta: Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a few diet foods that you should avoid feeding your Alien Betta.

These include:

Bread: Bread is not a natural part of the diet and can cause problems with digestion.
Dairy products: Dairy products are not a natural part of the diet and can cause problems with digestion.
Processed food: Processed food is not a natural part of the diet and can cause problems with digestion.
Sugar: Sugar is not a natural part of the diet and can cause problems with metabolism.

Alien Betta: Feeding Schedule

A feeding schedule is not necessary, but it is a good idea to feed your Alien Betta 2-3 times a week. This will ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Also, make sure to remove any uneaten food from the tank after a feeding. This will prevent the water from becoming polluted.

How To Choose the Proper Nutritional Diet For Alien Betta

A healthy diet is essential for preventing diseases and maintaining a healthy Alien Betta.

Some of the things that you should include in your Alien Betta's diet include:

Protein: Protein is essential for growth and development.
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals are essential for a healthy immune system.
Vegetables: Vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Live food: Live food is a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
Frozen food: Frozen food is a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Alien Betta: Care Guide

The Alien Betta does not require a lot of care. Keep the water parameters moderate and provide plenty of hiding places. Keep the tank clean and the water quality high, and your Alien Betta will thrive.

Check the water's minerals and ensure they are not too high. Keep the water temperature low to mid. They are a carnivore and should be fed a diet that consists of live foods, frozen foods, and pellets. Feed them small meals 2-3 times a day.

It is also important to remember that they are solitary fish and should be kept in a tank by themselves. The Alien Betta is an aggressive fish and can be territorial toward other fish. It is essential to choose tank mates carefully, as they may attack or kill other fish.

Here we will discuss everything you need to know about their care. We will go over their tank requirements, diet, and everything else you need to know to keep your Alien Betta happy and healthy.

Alien Betta: Tank Size

The tank size for an Alien Betta should be at least 5 gallons. If you plan on keeping more than one fish, you will need a larger tank.

The rule of thumb is to provide 1 gallon of water per inch of fish. So, if you have a 3-inch fish, you will need a 3-gallon tank. However, it is always best to use a larger tank if possible.

Alien Betta: Water Parameters

The Alien Betta is a freshwater fish and does best in water with a pH of 6.5-7.5, a temperature of 75°-85° Fahrenheit, and a hardness of 5-15 dH. It is important to keep the water parameters within these ranges to ensure the health of your fish.

If you live in an area with hard water, you can use a water softener to lower the hardness of the water. You can also use a filtration system to help keep the water clean and the parameters stable.

Alien Betta: Filtration

The Alien Betta does not require a lot of filtration. A simple sponge filter will suffice. However, you may need to upgrade to a more powerful filter if you have a larger tank or more fish.

It is also important to perform regular water changes to remove any toxins that may build up in the water. Water changes should be done every 1-2 weeks. To do a water change, simply remove 20% of the water from the tank and replace it with fresh, clean water.

Some recommended filters for the Alien Betta are:

Aqueon Quiet Flow 10 Aquarium Power Filter
Aqueon Quiet Flow 20 Aquarium Power Filter
Marine Land Penguin Power Filter

Heating

The Alien Betta requires a heater to maintain a consistent water temperature. A simple aquarium heater will suffice.

You will need to choose a heater that is appropriate for the size of your tank. A good rule of thumb is to choose a heater that will raise the temperature of the water by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, if your tank is 10 gallons and you want to maintain a water temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need a heater that can raise the temperature of the water by 10 degrees.

Some recommended heaters for the Alien Betta are:

Aqueon Pro Heater
Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater
Tetra Aqua Safe Heater

Plants

The Alien Betta is a peaceful fish and does well with live plants. Live plants help oxygenate the water and provide hiding places for the fish.

Some recommended plants for the Alien Betta are:

Java Fern: This plant is easy to care for and can be attached to rocks or driftwood.
Anubias: This plant can be attached to rocks or driftwood and does not need a lot of light.
Hornwort: This plant proliferates and provides hiding places for the fish. It can be floating or anchored to the substrate.
Water Wisteria: This plant has beautiful purple leaves and proliferates. It can be floating or anchored to the substrate.

Lighting

The Alien Betta does not require special lighting. A simple aquarium light will suffice.

You may want to choose a light with a low wattage if you have live plants in the tank. Plants need light to photosynthesize, but too much light can cause algae to grow.

Some recommended lights for the Alien Betta are:

Aqueon MiniMate Clip-On Aquarium Light: This light is recommended for tanks up to 10 gallons. It has a low wattage and comes with a clip-on attachment.
Fluval Aqua Sky LED Lighting: This light is recommended for tanks up to 60 gallons. It has energy-efficient LED bulbs and remote control.
Marineland LED Aquarium Hood: This light is recommended for tanks up to 60 gallons. It has energy-efficient LED bulbs and is designed to fit Marineland tanks.

Fertilizers

If you have live plants in the tank, you will need to use a fertilizer. Fertilizers help to provide the nutrients that plants need to grow.

Some recommended fertilizers for the Alien Betta are:

Seachem Flourish: This fertilizer is designed for all types of plants. It is rich in iron and other essential nutrients.
Aqueon Plant Food: This fertilizer is designed for all types of plants. It is rich in iron and other essential nutrients.
Osmocote Plus Outdoor and Indoor Plant Food: This fertilizer is designed for all types of plants. It is slow-release and lasts up to 6 months.

Water Conditioners

The Alien Betta is a tropical fish and requires clean, filtered water. You will need to use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other chemicals from the water.

Some recommended water conditioners for the Alien Betta are:

Aqueon Aquarium Water Conditioner: This conditioner is designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals from the water.
Seachem Prime: This conditioner is designed to remove chlorine, ammonia, and other chemicals from the water.
API Stress Coat + Fish Conditioner: This conditioner is designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals from the water. It also contains aloe vera, which helps to reduce stress in fish.

Substrate

The substrate is the material you use to line the bottom of the tank. The most common type of substrate is gravel, but you can also use sand or rocks.

Some recommended substrates for the Alien Betta are:

Aqua Culture Aquarium Gravel: This gravel is available in various colors. It is safe for all types of fish and plants.
Fluval Aquarium Sand: This sand is available in a variety of colors. It is safe for all types of fish and plants.
Oceanic Seashells: These shells are safe for all fish and plants. They can be used to decorate or create a natural look in the tank.

Decorations

You can use a variety of decorations to make your Alien Betta's tank more appealing.

Some recommended decorations are:

Aqueon Driftwood: This driftwood is safe for all fish and plants. It can be used to create hiding places or as a decorative piece.
Zoo Med Aquatic Decorations: These decorations are safe for all fish and plants. They can be used to create hiding places or as decorative pieces.
Pinecones: These pinecones are safe for all types of fish and plants. They can be used to create hiding places or as decorative piece.

Other Tank Accessories

There are a few other things that you will need to get for your Alien Betta's tank. These include a ph meter, aquarium thermometer, and air pump.

Some recommended tank accessories are:

pH Meter: This ph meter is designed to help keep the water in your tank at the correct pH level.
Aquarium Thermometer: This thermometer is designed to help keep the water in your tank at the correct temperature.
Air Pump: This air pump is designed to help circulate the water in your tank.

Water Changes

It is essential to do regular water changes for your Alien Betta's tank. Water changes help to remove toxins and waste from the water. They also help to keep the water quality high.

For water change, you will need the following:

Aquarium vacuum: This aquarium vacuum is designed to remove debris and waste from the bottom of the tank.
Water conditioner: This water conditioner is designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals.
Clean, filtered water: You will need clean, filtered water to replace the water you remove from the tank.

It would be best if you did a water change every week. To do a water change, you will need to:

Remove the Alien Betta from the tank.
Remove all of the decorations from the tank.
Remove the substrate from the tank.
Vacuum the bottom of the tank to remove debris and waste.
Add clean, filtered water to the tank.
Add the substrate back into the tank.
Add the decorations back into the tank.
Add the Alien Betta back into the tank.

Cleaning The Tank

You will need to clean the tank on a regular basis to remove algae and waste. You can use an algae scraper or sponge to remove algae from the sides of the tank.

To clean the tank, you will need the following:

Algae scraper: This algae scraper is designed to remove algae from the sides of the fish tank.
Sponge: This sponge is designed to remove waste and debris from the bottom of the fish tank.

You should clean the tank every two weeks.

To clean the tank, you will need to:

Remove the Alien Betta from the tank.
Remove all of the decorations from the tank.
Vacuum the bottom of the tank to remove debris and waste.
Use an algae scraper to remove algae from the sides of the tank.
Use a sponge to remove waste and debris from the bottom of the tank.
Add clean, filtered water to the tank.
Add the decorations back into the tank.
Add the Alien Betta back into the tank.

Cleaning The Filter

You will need to clean the filter on a regular basis to remove debris and waste. You can use a filter brush or sponge to clean the filter.

To clean the filter, you will need the following:

Filter brush: This filter brush is designed to clean the inside of the filter.
Sponge: This sponge is designed to remove waste and debris outside the filter.

You should clean the filter every two weeks.

To clean the filter, you will need to:

Remove the filter from the tank.
Use a filter brush to clean the inside of the filter.
Use a sponge to remove waste and debris from the outside of the filter.
Rinse the filter is clean, filtered water.
Put the filter back in the tank.

Testing The Water

It is important to test the water on a regular basis to make sure that it is safe for your Alien Betta. You can use a water test kit to test the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the water.

To test the water, you will need the following:

Water test kit: This water test kit is designed to test the levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates in the water.

You should test the water every week.

To test the water, you will need to:

Fill a test tube with water from the tank.
Add the testing solution to the water in the test tube.
Compare the color of the water in the test tube to the color chart that came with the water test kit.
Test the water's levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
If the levels are too high, you must do a water change.

Alien Betta: Common Possible Diseases

There are a few diseases that your Alien Betta could get.

Some of the most common diseases include:

Ich: This is a disease that causes white spots to form on the body of the fish.
Velvet: This disease causes gold or brown spots on the fish's body.
Fin rot: This disease causes the fins of the fish to rot.
Swim Bladder Disease: This disease affects the fish's swim bladder and can cause the fish to float or sink.

If you think your Alien Betta has any of these diseases, you should take it to a veterinarian.

Signs That Your Alien Betta Is Sick

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if your Alien Betta is sick.

Some of the most common signs include:

Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Flashing
Clamped fins
White spots on the body
Gold or brown spots on the body
Fins that are rotting
Fish that is floating or sinking

If you see any of these signs, you should take your Alien Betta to a veterinarian.

Alien Betta: Preventing Diseases

There are a few things that you can do to prevent your Alien Betta from getting diseases.

Some of the things that you can do include:

Keep the tank clean: A clean tank is less likely to have disease-causing bacteria.
Test the water regularly: This will help you to identify any problems with the water quality.
Quarantine new fish: When you add new fish to the tank, you should quarantine them for a period to ensure they are not sick.
Avoid stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and make the fish more susceptible to diseases.
Feed a high-quality diet: A healthy diet will help boost the immune system.

Alien Betta: Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If your Alien Betta does get sick, there are a few things that you can do to treat the disease.

Some of the most common treatments and medications include:

Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections.
Antifungals: These are used to treat fungal infections.
Copper sulfate: This is used to treat various diseases, including ich and velvet.
Formaldehyde: This is used to treat various diseases, including ich and velvet.
Malachite green: This is used to treat various diseases, including ich and velvet.
Metronidazole: This is used to treat various diseases, including ich and velvet.
Nitrofurazone: This is used to treat various diseases, including ich and velvet.
Quinine sulfate: This is used to treat various diseases, including ich and velvet.
Salt: This is used to treat various diseases, including ich and velvet.
Tetracycline: This is used to treat various diseases, including bacterial infections.

How To Choose A Healthy Alien Betta

When you are choosing an Alien Betta, there are a few things that you should look for to make sure that it is healthy.

Some of the things that you should look for include the following:

Bright colors: A healthy fish will have bright colors.
Clear eyes: A healthy fish will have clear eyes.
Smooth scales: A healthy fish will have smooth scales.
Strong fins: A healthy fish will have strong fins.
Good appetite: A healthy fish will have a good appetite.

If you see any of these signs, you can be sure you are choosing a healthy Alien Betta.

Alien Betta: Tank Mates

The male Alien Betta is highly territorial and will become aggressive towards other males. For this reason, it is best to keep only one male per tank. If you must keep more than one, make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and a large tank.

The female Alien Betta is not as aggressive as the male and can be kept in groups. However, they should still be provided with plenty of hiding places.

Some good tank mates for the Alien Betta include:

Cory Catfish
Ghost Shrimp
Guppies
Kuhli Loaches
Mollies
Platies
Swordtails
Tetras

Alien Betta: Fish To Avoid

It is best to avoid tank mates that are known to be aggressive. These include:

Advantages Of Having Alien Betta In Your Tank

The first advantage is that they help to keep the tank clean. They are known to eat algae and other types of debris.

The second advantage is that they add beauty to the tank. Their colors are very striking and can add a lot of visual interest.

The third advantage is that they are relatively easy to care for. They are not picky eaters and do not require a lot of care.

Disadvantages Of Having Alien Betta In Your Tank

The first disadvantage is that they are known to be jumpers. They can jump out of the tank if it is not covered.

The second disadvantage is that they are territorial. The male can become aggressive towards other males and may fight with them.

The third disadvantage is that they are not recommended for beginners. They require a little bit of care and attention to keep them healthy.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, the Alien Betta is a beautiful fish that can add a lot of interest to your tank. They are not difficult to care for but require some attention.

If you are looking for a fish that is relatively easy to care for and very interesting to look at, then the Alien Betta might be the perfect choice for you.

I hope this article has been helpful and you have learned everything you need about the Alien Betta. Thanks for reading!

Ultimate Alien Betta Care Guide 101: Look, Diet & All | 2024

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