Marine bettas are generally hardy but can fall ill if water conditions drop. Marine ich (Cryptocaryon) is the most common ailment to watch for—appearing as white spots on the body and fins. Other signs of illness include laboured breathing, colour loss, or reduced appetite. Quarantine new additions and keep water quality high with regular maintenance and water changes. If illness is detected early, most issues can be treated with reef-safe medications or moving the fish to a hospital tank for observation. These fish are shy and might hide for long periods, so observe their behaviour regularly to ensure all is well.

Caring for a Marine betta fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own betta tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!