Betta lifespan varies by genetics + care quality. Average lifespan: 3-5 years from hatching, 2-4 years from typical pet-store purchase (since bettas are 6-12 months old when sold). Lifespan extenders: 5-gallon+ heated cycled tank (78-82°F), 30% weekly water changes, varied diet (pellets + bloodworms + brine shrimp), no aggressive tankmates, dim lighting, hiding spots. Lifespan shortners: unheated bowls, ammonia exposure, plastic plants that tear fins, overfeeding (causes bloat + swim-bladder issues), male-female cohabitation outside breeding, aggressive tankmates that nip fins. Older betta signs: reduced color, thinning fins, cloudy eyes, reduced activity. These are natural - elderly bettas (3+ years from purchase) need the same care, just gentler. Genetic factors: heavily-bred fancy bettas (giant, dragonscale, halfmoon) have shorter average lifespans than plakat or wild-type bettas. Imbellis, smaragdina, and other wild bettas often live 5-7 years. Captive-bred from breeders: bettas from US breeders or Indonesian fish farms (when sold young, 4-6 months) reach 4-6 years more often than impulse-buy pet-store stock.
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