Guest Author - Jilly Florio

Bettas enjoy being in the center of things in your home. They are curious little beings and thrive when they can watch the world go by. That said, a betta fish also needs a place to retreat to for calm reflection and privacy. You can easily provide your betta with a "room of his own".

Depending on the size of your betta's tank or bowl, there are all sorts of caves, rocks, toys and decorations where a betta can hide from the world. In my large betta tanks, I use prefabricated caves and castles - whatever appeals from the petshop and matches my tank decor.

In smaller tanks - the mini-habitats and bowls - I at least provide my bettas with large freshwater snail shells. Bettas will curl up in these for sleeping and hiding. If you have a large freshwater snail shell, be sure to siphon the "bottom crud" from the interior of the shell - once a week or as needed - with a turkey baster. This will prevent fin rot.

Small terra cotta pots, placed on their sides, are another option for clever little betta caves.

You can also stack things (such as rocks) to make a betta cave. Be careful to place everything so it will be very stable in the tank - otherwise you could bury your poor fish, or at least hurt him, when the rocks shift.

You can create sturdy and interesting caves from all sorts of objects if you glue them together with aquarium silicone. Make sure you follow the directions and allow the glue to dry completely before placing in the water with your pet. This is a great way to keep rock caves from collapsing!

Make sure your hidey hole is smooth, as well. Long, flowy betta fins can easily catch on sharp points and edges. Smooth edges will prevent torn fins, which look sad at least, and can lead to fin rot, at worst.

Whatever you choose as a "room" for your betta, he will feel more at ease if when he knows he has a secure place to hide in. Don't worry about never seeing him again, however. Paradoxically, having a dark, private little retreat will make him even more likely to come out and play! :)

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Care for your bettas right!