Taking Care of The Betta Fish or Siamese Fighting Fish

What’s up guys!!! Let us talk about a really popular aquarium fish among fish keepers, it is an awesome fish lot of vibrant colors, a great fish even for beginners, the Betta Fish or better known as Siamese Fighting Fish.

The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), commonly known as the Betta, is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is one of 73 species of the genus Betta, but the only one eponymously called "Betta", owing to its global popularity as a pet; Betta splendens are among the most popular aquarium fish in the world, due to their diverse and colorful morphology and relatively low maintenance.

Siamese fighting fish are endemic to the central plain of Thailand, where they were first domesticated at least 1,000 years ago, among the longest of any fish. They were initially bred for aggression and subject to gambling matches akin to cockfighting. Bettas became known outside Thailand through King Rama III (1788-1851), who is said to have given some to Theodore Cantor, a Danish physician, zoologist, and botanist. They first appeared in the West in the late 19th century, and within decades became popular as ornamental fish. Their long history of selective breeding has produced a wide variety of coloration and finnage, earning them the moniker, "designer fish of the aquatic world".

Bettas are well known for being highly territorial, with males prone to attacking each other if housed in the same tank; without a means of escape, this will usually result in the death of one or both fish. Female Bettas can also become territorial towards one another in confined spaces. Bettas are exceptionally tolerant of low oxygen levels and poor water quality, owing to their special labyrinth organ, a characteristic unique to the suborder Anabantoidei that allows for the intake of surface air.

In addition to its worldwide popularity, the Siamese fighting fish is the national aquatic animal of Thailand, which remains the primary breeder and exporter of Bettas for the global aquarium market.

If you try to ask a fish keeper if it is easy to take care a Betta Fish, the quick answer is, there are no “easy” pets, but to be fair, Bettas are easier to care for than many other types of fish. Bettas do, in fact, need less space than other fish.

Bettas require tropical climate water between 75 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Water pH should be neutral (around 7) and ammonia and nitrates should be as low as possible (ideally zero) Betta fish are carnivores and eat a protein-rich diet. Fortunately, there are a lot of “Granulated Food” for Betta fish in your local Aquarium Fish Store.

A happy Betta will swim around their tank daily. Sometimes they will move almost lazily about, and other times they'll flit from side to side quickly. If the Betta appears to have no trouble swimming and isn't leaning to the side or struggling, your Betta is healthy and happy. One another indication that your Betta Fish is happy, he is creating bubbles in the surface.

Rare Pink Betta

Taking care of aquarium fish is quite fascinating and relaxing at the same time. Just do a quick research on how to make your aquarium a stress-free environment, your fish will always be happy and healthy.

Cheerio!