Do Betta Fish Prefer Long or Tall Tanks?

When it comes to choosing the right tank for your betta fish, the size and shape of the tank are important factors to consider. A wide tank is preferred to a tall one, as bettas need to be able to easily get to the surface to take puffs of air. Long tanks are better than tall ones, as they look more like their natural habitat and provide adequate space for fish to swim freely and explore their environment. In the wild, bettas live in shallow water and spend more time swimming from left to right than from top to bottom.

A 10-gallon tank that is heated to at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit (or 24 degrees Celsius) is good for 3 betta fish: 1 male and 2 female. When it comes to maintaining a fish community, a horizontal tank will always be the answer. It provides more length for swimming, since most fish swim in an approximately horizontal line, not up and down. Tall tanks don't offer as much freedom and don't provide enough space for bettas to swim and explore, which can hinder their growth and affect their health.

If you only have one specimen or a few small fish and want to include live plants or aquatic gardening, then a smaller vertical tank can be a great option. Plants, snails that live in fish tanks, and proper filtration need at least this amount of water to create a functional habitat for a single betta. However, it's more likely to happen in a small tank because bettas can't stay outside each other's territory. Even a neon tetra or other small fish will do better than a betta because their fins and swimming bladder are adapted to deeper water.