My aquarium hobby started in 1977 with Betta (pronounced BET-TUH, not BAY-TUH) Splendens, also known as ‘Siamese Fighting Fish’, discovered originally in its natural habitat of shallow rice patties in Siam. If this fish never fails to amazed its beholders and thrill its audiences, I will seriously wonder why, as it is the truly a very popular freshwater fish.

Betta lives comfortably in enough water to cover it, most popular being housed in small little jars sold in aquarium shops even in today’s practice. They are hardy, comes in multi-colours, but as in all other species, they deserve vigilant care.  The wild Bettas look different from those bred in captivity. In the natural wild environment, speed and agility are crucial for survival, rather than exhibiting colour and beauty.  Wild Betta have short fins and dark, mottled colouring and are very interesting and beautiful in their own way.

betta splendens

Betta’s hardiness trait resulted primarily from inhabiting the shallow, muddy water of the rice patties, which is not an ideal habitat for any other fish.  They use a special organ called the “labyrinth” which enables them to breathe oxygen directly from the water surface.  Gifted with this organ, are able to survive in their natural habitat in very low oxygen levels. That explains why Bettas can survive in little cups with just enough water, longer than other gill-breathing fish. Although this get away with the need to change water frequently, care is appreciated for better environment of the fish, to avoid ammonia built up from the decomposition of its waste contents.  Beautiful fish like them does not deserve to be ill-treated.

Male Bettas are very aggressive and territorial fish in nature. When two male Bettas are placed together, they will start intimidating each other by displaying aggression with their fins and gills wide spread and opened.  A challenge fight will only end when the loser admits defeat and escape with suffered enough injury.  If the escape fails, as in an enclosed environment, the loser will likely ended in death.  That explains why male Bettas are kept solo. Several female Bettas can be housed together since they are not too aggressive.

Bettas are kept for fighting in Siam as entertainment. Today, they are bred to bring out their beauty to capture your heart.  Stay tuned for new posts of Bettas in our blog.