Average lifespan of a Betta?

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Cooter007

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Nov 26, 2003
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I knew the day would come but I just think I would get so attached….. I’ve had “Alpha” (My Betta) for three years. About once a week I put a mirror up to Alpha’s 20 gallon tank and let him flare for about 30 minutes but last week he ran and hid, I knew something was wrong! I came home today to find him on the bottom of the tank. He is still alive he is just not his normal self. Normally when I enter the room he comes up to the glass and swims back in forth in rapid succession. Today nothing! He still comes to the top to eat but quickly retreats to his hideout.The LFS owner said he had never heard of one living that long.

Here’s a pic Came up for air and he is on his way to the bottom (excuse the finger prints…he like to chase my finger).


alpha.jpg
 
In my experience with Bettas, he is an old man! I have only ever had one Betta last more then 3-4years and he lived to be about 4.5years old! They are very fun fich to have and have great personalities! I will be getting another breeding tank up and runningt soon I hope!
 
I think the horrid living conditions these fish are put through in their young lives before we finally get them home shortens their life much more than you would think.

Most people, including myself, consider 3-4 years for a betta to be a long life. However, I have read of more than one case where someone purchased a betta from a hobbyist breeder and had them live for 6-8 years.

It's possible he may be nearing the end of his life, but I certainly hope he'll get better soon! Do an extra water change for him, it can't hurt and may help him.
 
yes, they are capable of 8 or more years of life easily, but because of the conditions they are kept in usually only reach half that age.

if you could get a young fish from a local breeder and kept him in 5 gallons or more with a filter for water movement, double or even triple the 2-4 years would be more usual.
 
When my wife came home, I told her the situation and she said that I have had the Betta for over 4 years. My memory is shot! He was my first fish so maybe that is why I’m so attached to him. I have never had him in a bowl, he has always had a 5 gallon + with a heater. He is in a 20 gallon tall with a heater and a filter right now!
 
Agreed, they can live much longer then the 2 years expected from them. I think the longest one I've owned was 6-6.5 years. Funny thing is got him at wal-mart of all places lol.
 
I am disappointed to hear that you fish would be at the end of his life cycle. We have had our male betta since November. Boy they sure are easy to get attached to!

When did you move him to the 20g? Has it been long? I just am asking cause mine is in a 2.5g and I just set up a 20g and most have told me that he would not be happy in the bigger tank and not do so well.

Of course I am not going to assume as I only bought mine a few months ago.

Good thoughts to you and your wonderful fish!! Keep us posted!
Take care. :)

Sorry to add more but is he the only fish in that big tank? He looks a little depressed and lonely. (I am not an expert in fish but that's my opinion)
 
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I have always had mine in 10gal. or more and none have ever lived over 4.5 years!

Greenday, whoever told you that keeping them in bigger tanks isnt good has no idea what they are talking about! Any fish will do better in bigger spaces as long as it isnt too big for them to find food! However I have always found my bettas to do better when they have some company as you said! I just wonder if maybe the reason that most of my bettas havent lived as long as some say they can is because mine were for breeding! I had them breeding constantly, so maybe this was enough physical stress to shorten their lifespan! Similar to breeding dogs! I also bred pitbulls for awhile and the stress from breeding constantly couls shorten a females pitbulls life by quite a few years!
 
My oldest Betta was near 7 years as well. I've heard stories of these fish lasting near 10 years... true or not, that isn't for me to say, but the stories are out there anyway.

I do not consider a 3 year old Betta to be "old" at all, but some of them might only live this long because of the way they were bred, or the conditions they were kept in while maturing for you, the aquarist, to buy.
 
I don’t know what happened but he is as spry as a young school child.( or young school fish)

I did a 75% water change and added medication (which I never do) and today everything seems to be fine! I test on a normal basis and have never seen anything out of the ordinary.
 
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