Siamese Fighter (Betta) Ornamental Fish for Aquarium

The Siamese Fighter

The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), also known as the betta, is a popular fish in the aquarium trade. Bettas are a member of the gourami family and are known to be highly territorial. Males, in particular, are prone to high levels of aggression and will attack each other if housed in the same tank. If there is no means of escape, this will usually result in the death of one or both of the fish. Female bettas can also become territorial towards each other if they are housed in too small an aquarium. It is typically not recommended to keep male and female bettas together, except temporarily for breeding purposes which should always be undertaken with caution.

Characteristics

• B. splendens are known for their brilliant colours (as well as common colours of dull green, brown and grey) and large, flowing fins. In the wild, they exhibit strong colours only when agitated. In captivity, they have been selectively bred to display a vibrant array of colors and tail types.
• They are naturally insectivores and do not typically or naturally consume vegetation, however, they may consume the food of other tank mates if available, even vegetable matter.
• Betta species prefer a water temperature of around 75–82 °F (24–28 °C) but have been seen to survive temporarily at the extremes of 56 °F (13 °C) or 95 °F (35 °C). When kept in colder climates, aquarium heaters are recommended.
• Bettas are also affected by the pH levels of the water. Ideal levels for Bettas would be at a neutral pH (7.0)
• Properly kept and fed a correct diet, Siamese fighting fish generally live between 3 and 5 years in captivity.

Aquarium size

The appropriate tank size is directly related to how experienced the fish keeper is, and how often they want to carry out water changes, in order to keep the water clean. Bettas have a labyrinth organ which enables them to survive in habitats of low oxygen threshold.

• Recommended aquarium sizes are 9-19 liters. However, smaller aquarium sizes are ideal if hygiene is made paramount.
• Bettas can cohabit with fish that are bottom feeders, however, it is not advised to keep them with feeders that may eat their fins or destroy the slime coat.

Additional attributes