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freshwaterBetta
Betta splendens
Also known as: Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish
BeginnerAggressiveCarnivore
About
The Siamese fighting fish is a labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia, famous for bright domestic strains and long fins in many hobby forms. Wild-type fish inhabit shallow, often plant-choked waters; males are territorial and were historically pitted in fights, hence the name. In aquaria, males are usually kept alone or with carefully chosen tankmates in a spacious, heavily planted setup with gentle flow. They breathe air at the surface via the labyrinth organ—access to the surface must never be blocked. Females are less colourful but still territorial; sororities need experience, space, and many hiding places.
Feeding & Diet
High-quality betta pellets or granules; frozen or live bloodworm, brine shrimp, or daphnia; avoid only dry food long-term.
Frequency: 1–2× daily
Small stomach—several small meals beat one large one; fast one day a week if overfeeding is an issue.
Habitat
Native Region: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia—lowland rice paddies, ditches, slow streams)
Shallow, warm, often stagnant water with abundant vegetation and leaf litter.
Calm surface, minimal current; tall plants, caves, or leaf litter for breaks in line of sight; lid recommended (they jump).
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Surface-oriented; males flare at reflections and rivals; long-finned males vulnerable to nippers—choose tankmates with care.
Breeding
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Bubble nest
Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically far more colourful with larger fins; females fuller-bodied, shorter fins, often with an egg spot.
Male builds a floating bubble nest; pair conditioning, soft warm water, and a shallow breeding tank help; remove female after spawning if aggression persists.
Tank Setup
Substrate: Either
Plant Safe: Yes
Smooth-edged hides; avoid sharp plastic plants that can tear fins.
Your tanks
Add this species to a saved tank stocking list.
Care Requirements
Family
Osphronemidae
Genus
Betta
Maximum Size
7 cm
Minimum Tank Size
20 liters
Temperature
24-28°C
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Tank Region
Top, Middle
Lifespan
2–4 years
Growth Rate
Moderate
Activity Level
Moderate
Breeding Difficulty
Moderate
Breeding Type
Bubble nest
Native Region
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia—lowland rice paddies, ditches, slow streams)
Substrate
Either
Plant Safe
Yes
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