9 Best Betta Fish Toys to Keep Your Fish Entertained
- Molly Weinfurter
- Jul 20
- 5 min read
Buying toys for dogs and cats is normal, but many people don’t consider toys for their smaller pets. Fish are especially overlooked when it comes to enrichment because they’re viewed as “easy pets.” Yet, even if a pet is easy to care for, they still deserve to have fun just like any other animal. If you have an aquarium, you should consider adding some betta fish toys if you haven’t already.
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Are There Toys for Betta Fish?
Yes, betta fish toys exist, and they should be used more often than they are. Sadly, it’s common to keep betta fish and similar pets in tiny containers since that’s where they’re kept at the pet store. But these animals deserve so much more than that. They need space to explore, and that includes adding fun items for them to interact with.
Betta fish toys could include literal toys like balls to push or hoops to swim through. However, they can be any type of item that keeps fish engaged, such as fun things to look at or swim through. Adding excitement to a fish tank is the best way to give your aquatic friend the best life possible.
Do Betta Fish Like Toys?
Betta fish and other pet fish seem to love toys in their tank. Of course, we can’t tell what they’re thinking, but they spend lots of time exploring and interacting with new items in their tank. So, it’s safe to say that they get some entertainment from these fish toys.
Best Betta Fish Toys
There are many products that can act as toys for betta fish, but to help you narrow down your search, I’ve compiled a list of several great options. Below are some of the best betta fish toys to keep your aquatic pets engaged.
This pack of items serves as both enrichment and decorations. The tunnel and ledge suction to the side of the tank, giving your fish various platforms to explore. They can swim through the tunnel or rest on the ledge. It might not seem like much, but adding lots of little things to your aquarium can be exciting for aquatic pets because it gives them something to explore.
The floating betta log offers another item for your fish to swim through, but it’s not fixed to one spot. They can swim inside, push the log around, and make bubble nests inside it. This is a great product for all types of aquatic pets, but it’s specifically designed with betta fish in mind.
This is another Zoo Med product designed specifically for betta fish. It gives betta fish something to look at, and it can help them “exercise” their fins by extending them when they see their reflection. Bettas experience natural territorial behaviors, so having a mirror allows them to perform those without putting another fish at risk. Unfortunately, mirrors may stress some fish out, so remove the mirror if they’re obsessively attacking it or losing appetite because of it.
A fish playground might not have swings and a slide like a human playground would, but it still adds some excitement into your fish’s life. This betta fish toy floats at the surface and has several openings for fish to swim through. It even comes in two sizes and seven colors so you can choose an option that suits your aquarium’s aesthetic.
This is another tube that suctions to the side of the aquarium, but it has an artificial leaf inside that fish can rest on. The leaf is removable, making it easy to clean and customize. All the edges of this product are smooth to keep your aquatic companions safe. Whether your fish wants to play or rest, this tube is perfect.
This unique betta fish toy offers a different type of tunnel than the small ones that float or stick to the wall. This one gets buried under the tank’s substrate to create an underground cave for fish to explore. It not only provides an interesting place for your fish to hang out, but it also allows you to still observe them even under the gravel.
Betta fish can keep themselves entertained by swimming through these rings, pushing the balls around, or even pushing the balls through the hoop. You can even try training your betta fish to do these tasks. The balls are filled with a filter material to help keep the tank clean, and the hoops can double as feeding rings to reduce mess. This set has three colors and two sizes to offer some customizability.
This adorable floating submarine gives your fish something to look at and push around the tank. It’s a form of decoration that both you and your fish can enjoy. It’s made with aquarium-safe materials, and it’s available in two sizes, so you can choose which one is best for your tank size.
Feeding rings are a practical product for fish owners because they contain the food to one area, reducing the amount of mess during feeding time. They can also be engaging to fish because a ring draws them to a specific spot of the tank to eat. Some fish may also enjoy examining and swimming near the feeding rings even when they’re not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Space Does a Betta Fish Need?
The cups betta fish come in are way too small for long-term care. Bettas need at least 5 gallons, but 10 gallons is even better. Your fish will live their whole life in their aquarium, so giving them plenty of space is necessary for their health and well-being.
Are Betta Fish Smart?
While betta fish aren’t considered as smart as a dog or cat, they’re very smart for fish. They’ve been known to recognize their owners and even learn tricks, such as following a finger or pushing balls. Try teaching your fish tricks with your betta fish toys.
Are Betta Fish Aggressive?
Yes, betta fish are known for being aggressive, especially the males. It’s one of the reasons they’re called Siamese fighting fish. They’re territorial, so they may harass other fish that get too close.
Can Betta Fish Live with Other Fish?
While bettas shouldn’t live with other betta fish, there are some fish they can coexist with. Just make sure they have more than enough space in their tank to keep a distance from each other. Snails, corydoras, and certain tetras are a few animals that can live with betta fish.
How Long Do Betta Fish Live?
Betta fish typically live 2 to 5 years. However, some of the oldest betta fish have lived 8 to 10 years!
Betta Fish Toys Make Your Aquarium Complete
You would never neglect playtime for your dog or cat, so the same should be true for smaller pets. Betta fish toys are a great way to bring excitement to an aquarium. Fish might not play fetch or tug-of-war like a dog, but they still enjoy interacting with new items, which is where toys come in. Consider adding some of the above items to your aquarium if you haven't already.
