Siamese Fighting Fish

• Name: Siamese Fighting Fish
• Scientific Name: Betta Splendens
• Family: Belontiidae or Osphronemidae - Formerly Anabantidae
• Origin: Thailand, Cambodia, and South Asia
  
• Adult Size: 3" ( 7 cm )
• Social: Very Agressive. Will kill other males.
• Lifespan: 2-3 years
• Tank Level: Top Dweller
• Minimum Tank size: 1 Gallon
• Tank Setup: Lots of swimming space, plants, and very low current.
• Diet: Carnivore - Live foods
• Care: Easy
• Breeding: Egg Layer - Bubble nest builder
• Ideal pH : 6.8 - 7.4
• Temperature: 75-86 F (24-30 C)
• Sexing : Males are brighter and have much longer fins.
  

The Siamese fighting fish is one of the most popular species of tropical aquarium fish. For centuries these fish have been captivated by people for hobby and sport. In Thailand, breeding these fish has become a way of life, and is the focus of many gambling events. These fish are known mainly for their aggresiveness, mainly that towards their own species. Male bettas are extremely territorial, and will kill each other when encountered.

This fish is also the subject of much controversy. Since it is a labyrinth fish it doesnt require much oxygen in its water and can breathe air directly from the surface, its also very slow moving and often prefers to swim in one spot. Because of this it is possible to keep these fish in very small bowls and tanks, some are sold in bowls that are similar to large shot glasses. Many experts view this as cruel and say that no fish should be kept in less than 1 gallon of water, especially since bettas are used to large rice patties in the wild. I myself agree and would like to add that I think the minimum requirements for this fish should be 5 gallons with a filter. I personally believe you will NEVER fully appreciate a betta until you see how healthy, happy, and colorful they are in a proper aquarium.

Bettas are also a tough breed offish to establish in a community. Its agressive behavior can be destructive to some fish, meanwhile its own long fins could prove to be a snack for nippy fish like barbs. Male bettas are extremely territorial and will kill each other on sight. This is how the fish earned their name and betta fighting has become a gambling sport in many places. This is also controversial and is considered by most aquarists, including myself, to be cruel.

In the wild, the fighting fish's diet consists almost solely on live insects. They can be fed regular tropical flake food but must be supplemented with freeze dried bloodworms and occasionly live foods. However the ideal diet for the betta is live and meaty foods. Brine shrimp, Daphnia, plankton, tubifex, glassworms, and beef heart, are good diet options.

The male fighting fish is easily identified by its long and colorful fins. Females however are much duller in color and have significantly shorter fins. Dozens of selectively bred variations of the betta splendens are available including the regular veil tail, the crowntail, the half moon, and the double tail.

Breeding the fighting fish is considered extremely difficult. Males should only be bred with one female at a time and can also be very agressive and hurt the female while breeding. The water temperature should be raised to 30C and should be filtered by a smaller filter to prevent excess water movement. Before breeding the male will construct his bubblenest to place the eggs in, after he will begin chasing the female agressively, which may result in her loosing some scales. Once ready the two will show bright coloration and the mall will wrap himself around the female. Eggs will be fertilized immediately, and after mating, will be placed in the bubblenest and cared for by the male. The female should then be removed as the male will once again become violent. In about 2 days the eggs should hatch and be visable in the nests. For the first 36 hours the fry will feed off their yolksacks and continue to be raised by the male. After 2 days the fry should be free swimming and the male removed to prevent him from eating the fry. They should be then fed a diet of baby brine shrimp and other tiny fry food. Bettas are so agressive they need to be seperated at an early age, providing isolated housing for each fry becomes tedious work and often requires the use of a large barracks system, limiting the breeding of this fish for professional breeders and less for the average hobbyist.