Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish)

About

Betta splendens, the Siamese fighting fish, is a labyrinth fish from the slow, shallow waters, rice paddies and floodplains of Thailand and neighbouring Southeast Asia. Centuries of selective breeding have produced spectacular finnage and colour in males, from veiltail to halfmoon and plakat forms. As an air-breather with an accessory labyrinth organ, it tolerates warm, still, low-oxygen water but is intolerant of cold and chilling drafts. Males are highly territorial and cannot be housed together; even females may squabble. A warm, well-lidded, gently filtered planted tank suits it best.

Care

Keep one male alone in a heated 20 L+ planted tank at 26-28°C with gentle flow and a tight lid. Feed a carnivorous diet; never house two males together.

Diet

Carnivore; betta pellets plus live/frozen bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp.

Sources

• Seriously Fish — Betta splendens
• Aquarium Co-Op — Betta Fish Care