The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), also sometimes colloquially known as the betta, is a species in the gourami family which is popular as an aquarium fish. Bettas can be territorial fish and are prone to high levels of aggression towards each other. Two males in proximity will almost always attack each other, if they do not have the ability to 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.[1]
This species is native to the Mekong basin of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. The fish can be found in standing waters of canals, rice paddies and floodplains.[2] It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
They are called pla-kad (biting fish) in Thai and trey krem in Khmer.
Contents [hide]
1 Description
2 Diet
3 Reproduction and early development
4 History
4.1 Fighting fish
4.2 Aquarium fish
4.3 Invasive species
5 In the aquarium
5.1 Water
5.2 Aquarium size and cohabitants
5.3 Varieties
5.4 Colors
5.5 Colour patterns[18]
5.6 Finnage variations[18]
6 Behaviour
6.1 Aggressive behaviour in females
6.2 Courtship behaviour
6.3 Metabolic costs of aggression
6.4 Effects of chemical exposure on behaviour
7 Name
8 In popular culture
9 References
10 Further reading
11 External links
Description[edit]
B. splendens usually grows to a length of about 6.5 cm (2.6 in).[2] Although aquarium specimens are widely known for their brilliant colours and large, flowing fins, the natural coloration of B. splendens are generally dull green, brown and grey, and the fins of wild specimens are short. In captivity, they have been selectively bred to display a vibrant array of colours and tail types.[3]
Diet[edit]
Betta splendens feed on zooplankton, crustaceans, and the larvae of mosquitoes and other water-bound insects.[4] In captivity they can be fed a varied diet of pellets or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia and many others.
Despite myths that they will feed on any plant matter in the tank, they are naturally insectivores and do not typically or naturally consume vegetation.