Overview
- The Betta (Betta splendens), or Siamese fighting fish, is one of the best-known aquarium fish.
- Native to central Thailand, where it lives in rice paddies, swamps, ditches and slow streams.
- Wild fish reach about 2.8 in (7 cm) standard length.
- Long-finned ornamental strains in many colors are bred for the trade. The name comes from the tradition of fighting males.
Feeding
- Feeds on insects and other invertebrates in the wild.
- Accepts dried foods, but give small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm regularly.
- Small insects like fruit flies are also good.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of at least 18 × 12 in (45 × 30 cm) for a single male or a pair. Bowls and tiny jars are not suitable.
- A well-planted, shady tank with floating plants and surface cover.
- Water: 72–86°F (22–30°C). Store-bred fish do fine at pH 6.0–8.0 and GH 1–15. Wild fish prefer pH 5.0–7.0.
Fish Care
- Keep gentle water flow, as long fins make swimming hard in strong currents. [UNVERIFIED]
- Use a tight lid to keep the air above the water warm and humid.
Compatibility
- Not recommended for a standard community tank and often best kept alone.
- Never keep two males together.
- Avoid fin nippers and brightly colored, long-finned fish.
Aquarium Behavior
- Males are highly aggressive toward each other.
- Rests near the surface and breathes air using its labyrinth organ.
Breeding
- A bubble nest builder. The male builds and guards the nest.
- Give the female plenty of hiding places.
- Fry need warm, humid air above the water to develop their labyrinth organ, so cover the tank tightly.