Why Do Bettas Change Color?

As one of the most popular pet fish in the industry, bettas sport a diverse array of colors ranging from spectacular reds to dull browns. Since most betta owners purchase their fish based on appearance, this makes it important to understand how different factors, like quality of breeding, affect their colors.

  1. Diet

    • Betta fish coloration will suffer if they do not receive a varied diet. Feed bettas an omnivorous diet rich in protein and spirulina algae to promote vibrant colors. Include food items such as live worms, flightless fruit flies, frozen blood worms and krill. Provide sources of fresh vegetables, like cut-up pieces of peas, to help keep the betta's digestive tract running smoothly.

    Age

    • Older betta fish fade in color and vibrancy just like other animals do. Bettas live an average of 2 years. However, some betta fish live past 3 years of age depending on care and genetics. If an older betta fades, check water parameters with a water test kit to eliminate poor water quality as the culprit. Conduct a water change if ammonia or nitrite readings come back elevated.

    Water Quality

    • Poor water quality affects the vibrancy and overall color of betta fish, regardless of age. Do not allow ammonia to rise above .05 ppm; use an ammonia test kit to determine concentration. Move betta to at least a 5-gallon fish tank, complete with filter and aeration, to keep water at optimal quality.

    Stress

    • Some types of fish will stress a long-finned betta enough to affect its coloration. For instance, certain tetras nip long fins and larger fish constantly harass small fish like bettas. Keep male bettas separate and keep a male with females only in a large enough fish tank, providing at least 5 gallons of water per fish. Set up enough hiding places for the betta, and take caution when mixing with male gourami species.