Betta fish need air, but their way of obtaining air differs from that of terrestrial animals like humans, and their air requirements have unique characteristics. Below is a detailed explanation:
Dependence on Air for Oxygen
Function of the Labyrinth Organ: Betta fish have a specialized Labyrinth Organ, located above the gill covers, which is covered with folds and blood vessels. When bettas swim to the water surface, they open their mouths to inhale air. As the air passes through the Labyrinth Organ, oxygen within it is absorbed by the blood vessels and enters the circulatory system—effectively meeting the body’s oxygen needs.
Adaptation to Low-Oxygen Environments: In the wild, bettas often inhabit slow-moving waters with low dissolved oxygen levels, such as rice paddies and swamps. The Labyrinth Organ allows them to survive in these environments because they can obtain oxygen directly from the air, rather than relying entirely on dissolved oxygen in the water.
Inability to Survive Without Air Long-Term
Limited Survival Time Without Air Access: Despite their ability to extract oxygen from air, bettas cannot survive completely without access to air for extended periods. If a betta is placed in a fully sealed container with no air circulation—even if the container has water—it will gradually suffocate and die from insufficient oxygen.
Requirements for Air Quality: Bettas also have specific demands for the quality of the air they breathe. If the air contains high concentrations of harmful gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide) or is excessively polluted, these toxic substances may enter the betta’s body through respiration. This can damage their health and threaten their survival.
Managing Air Requirements in Captive Settings
Ensure Sufficient Access to Air: When keeping bettas in captivity, ensure the fish tank has enough space for bettas to swim to the surface and breathe. The tank should not be too deep, as this would make it difficult for bettas to reach the water surface. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the tank with decorations, which could block the bettas’ movement and hinder their ability to breathe.
Maintain Air Circulation: The environment where the fish tank is placed should have good air circulation to prevent stale air. You can open windows regularly for ventilation or use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality.
Monitor Breathing Behavior: Regularly observe the bettas’ breathing habits. If you notice bettas frequently surfacing to breathe or breathing rapidly, this may be a sign of low dissolved oxygen in the water or poor air quality. In such cases, take immediate action—such as increasing water change frequency or using an aeration device.