What Kind of Plants Do You Put in a Betta Fish Bowl?

Generally, freshwater fish are not known for being extremely colorful. One type of freshwater fish, the betta fish, however, is generally colorful and, hence, is regularly kept as an aquarium fish. Betta fish must live by themselves. If other fish are introduced, the betta fish becomes highly territorial and will fight. Instead of adding other fish, many fish owners will introduce both artificial and live plants to a betta fish tank to increase tank aesthetics.

  1. Betta Fish

    • The betta fish, also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, is a common fish in small aquariums. Betta fish rarely share tanks with other fish because they are extremely territorial and often fight to the death. Betta fish generally live for five years and can come in 15 different colors. They prefer to feed on zoo plankton, brine shrimp, fish meal and vegetables with high concentrations of protein. Fish owners must regularly change what they feed their betta fish. An unchanged diet can cause bloating and constipation.

    Chinese Evergreen

    • Chinese evergreens, or Aglaonema pseudobracteatum, are live plants regularly used in betta fish tanks. This plant is an excellent choice for betta fish tanks because it can grow well under low levels of light, something usually present in fish tanks. Unfortunately, this plant can grow up to 18 inches in width and over 2 feet in height. Fish tank owners must ensure that they cut back this plant if it becomes too invasive. Chinese evergreens in pet stores are properly manipulated to grow efficiently in water.

    Other Natural Plants

    • Plants besides the Chinese evergreen can be introduced to betta fish tanks as well. Fish owners should ensure that the plant they introduce to a tank is not toxic to betta fish. Philodendrons are one type of plant that can serve as an alternative to the Chinese evergreen. These are highly aesthetic and grow naturally near swamps and rivers. Peace water lilies also work in betta fish tanks. The photos plant requires little light and is regularly introduced to betta fish tanks.

    Artificial Plants

    • Artificial plants are one alternative to live plants in betta fish tanks. For one, unlike live plants, they do not create any dirt that can clog a tank. Since artificial plants are made of plastics, they take longer to decay, resulting in prolonged use. Unfortunately, artificial plants do not create oxygen, something that live plants do create. Luckily, betta fish thrive in low-oxygen environments. Tank owners should clean artificial tanks every time they clean a tank.