Betta fish typically live about 2 to 4 years on average, with many sources citing 3 to 5 years as a common lifespan range in captivity. With proper care- including a clean, adequately sized tank, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment-bettas can live longer, sometimes reaching 5 to 7 years. Exceptional cases have been recorded where bettas lived up to 10 years, though this is rare and usually involves optimal genetics and care from an early age
. Key points influencing betta lifespan include:
- Starting with a healthy, young fish from a reputable source
- Maintaining a clean tank with regular water changes
- Providing a suitable tank size (minimum 10 gallons recommended)
- Avoiding overfeeding to prevent health issues like fatty liver disease
- Offering a calm environment with proper water conditions and enrichment
Even with ideal care, many bettas live closer to 2-4 years, so a lifespan of 3-5 years is typical and considered good care
