Betta splendens
| Common Names: | Betta Fighter Siamese Fighting Fish |
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| Family: | Osphronemidae |
| Category: | Labyrinth_Fish |
| Distribution: | Asia; Thailand. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Swamp; Swamp |
| Temperament: | Unknown; Generally peaceful. Temperament is often determined by tanksize. DO NOT keep more than one male fighter in the same tank as they will spread their fins, flare their gills and attack each other. DO NOT keep male fighters with female fighters unless breeding is intended as the male will kill the female. Several females can be kept together, but should be watched closely as they may be aggressive. Male Fighters should not be kept with species that have large or flowing fins like fancy guppies or angelfish because they are sometimes confused with other male bettas. In larger tanks, of 30 gallons or more, the territorial behaviour of the betta can reach its limits and it becomes possible to keep females together with males over the long term at a ratio of two to three females to one male. If the tank is heavily planted and has suitable visual barriers and hiding areas.Males will still fight in aquaria even up to 100 gallon, but females will sort out their differences if allowed sufficient space, and the male will usually contain his territory to a 1 foot square area, thusly meaning the females can use most of a 30 gallon tank unharried. Breeding can happen ad libitum in larger setups, and the initial aggression of introducing a female to a male in a smaller setup is completely avoided. Bettas kept in larger tank conditions often have increased muscle mass, fitness, and better breeding results. Though a fish usually recommended for small tanks, bettas often do better in larger setups, and with carefully considered stocking can do very well in a community where fin nippers and other territorial fish are avoided. |
| Diet: | Carnivore; Carnivore |
| Care: | Feed with good quality dried flakes and pellets, with the occasional freeze dried or frozen treat. Keep some floating plants in the tank, but do not cover the surface completely. Without access to the air at the surface of the water, the Siamese Fighting Fish will die. Siamese Fighting Fish need quite warm water. It is best to keep a vented top on the container as they have been known to jump. A lid also keeps the air humid and warm, which is good for the health of the fish. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 6.5cm (2.6") Female: 6.5cm (2.6") |
| Water Region: | Surface; Surface |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Diurnal |
| Gender: | Males have vivid colours and (usually) much larger fins. Females may also show an ovipositor, which may be useful for sexing short finned or wild bettas. |
| Breeding: | Not hard to breed if done properly. The male Siamese Fighting Fish builds a nest of small bubbles on the surface of the water, usually under a floating leaf or something similar. Any strong current in the water can destroy the bubble nest, so surface agitation should be minimal. The pair need to be conditioned prior to placing them together, with the male in the breeding tank. This conditioning should be done for 7 to 14 days with as much live food as possible including live bloodworm and brine shrimp. When the conditioning is complete, place the female in the tank, separated from the male, but still visible, using a fish bag or breeding trap. The male will dance around the female and try to attack her as he builds a bubble nest. Once the bubble nest is built up, release the female. The male will wrap himself around the female and squeeze the eggs out while fertilising them. Once the male is done remove the female to a recovery tank. The male will care for the eggs. There should be no substrate in the breeding tank. When the female is releasing the eggs the male takes them to the nest. The temperature should be around 80F. Once the fry are free swimming, remove the male and feed them baby brine shrimp. |
| Variants: | Many fin variations are available including veil tail, double tail, crown tail, half moon, and delta tail. A wide variety of colors are available including blue, red, purple, green, black, white, pink, grey, and almost any color possible can be found. |
| Comments: | Like one of the common names implies the males of this species should be kept seperate from each other and the female should only come in contact with the male during mating. |
| Main Colours: | Red, Blue |
| Markings: | No Markings |
| Mouth: | Upturned |
| Tail: | Convex |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| Contributors: | fanciestguppy2006, bettachris, weird22person, jefferysgirl, Jay Hopper, Adam, SaveTheVowels, longhairedgit, Joe Potato |
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