General Betta Fish Overview

Scientific Name: Betta Splendens

Other Names: Betta Fish, Siam Fighting Fish, Siamese Fighting Fish, Fighting Fish

Family: Belontiidae

Origin: Cambodia, Thailand

Maximum Length: 3 in. (7cm)

Life Span: 2 - 3 years

General Information:

The majestic finnage and fighting spirit of the male Betta Splendens can be tracked all the way back to almost 200 years in the history of Thailand (known then as Siam). The male betta splendens are usually kept individually due to the territorial traits of the male betta splendens. However, they can be fine community fish if kept with no aggressive or any fin-nipping species in a large tank as in the case of the wild enviroment where there are more than one male in one pond in the padi fields. The large ponds ensure that there are sufficient space for the losing male betta to flee compared to a small tank where both the male bettas will be forced to fight till one eventually dies. One male betta to at least two females ratio is prefered as the male betta can be really rough at times, and the presence of at least two females will dilute his aggression.

Habitat:

A tank with plants and dark substrate will reveal the full potential of this lovely fish. It will display a surprising amount of personality in a good home. Betta splendens are from the tropical regions and would require constant warm temperatures in the range of 78 -80 degrees F (26-27 degrees C). Bettas would like some floating plants where they can hide and build their nests.

Diet: Omnivore.

In the wild, Betta fish survives mainly on insect larvae or insects. They are equipt with a special upturned mouth that enables it to snatch any helpless insect that have fallen into the water. Betta Splendens have a much shorter alimentary track than fish that feeds on plants. It is this fact that live foods are the best diet for them. However, they can adapt to eating flake foods and frozen dried foods that you can get from your local pet shops. If you choose to feed your betta fish with flake food, you should supplement the diet with frozen or freeze-dried foods and live food if possible. Tubifex worms, glassworms, plankton, daphnia and brine shrime are some of your betta fish's favorite food. Most high protein food will also help to bring out the strong and vibrant colors in your bettas. If you feed them with such food, you should try NOT to overfeed them and remove any leftover from you betta fish's tank. Leaving the leftover food in the tanks will foul up the water very quickly thus risking your bettas to sickness or diseases.