Siamese Fighting Fish – ‘Betta’

The Siamese Fighting Fish is a very popular fish due to its vibrant colours and large flowing

fins. They have been developed into the following varieties Veil tail, Delta and Halfmoon.

Also referred to as ‘Betta’ fish – this is taken from the

genus derived from ikan bettah, taken from a local dialect

of Malay.

The wild ancestors of this fish are native to the rice

paddies and swamp areas of Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia

and Vietnam. They are found in the slow moving waters

that the rice paddies offer where there are plenty of

meaty foods and lots of hiding places.

In captivity they are not always easy to keep. If cared for in the right conditions they will live

up to 5 years.

In the wild, Betta’s spar (fight) for only a few minutes before one fish backs off. Bred in captivity specifically for fighting, domesticated Betta matches can go on for much longer, with winners determined by a willingness to continue fighting. Once one fish retreats, the match is over.

The King of Siam started licensing and collecting these fighting fish. In 1840, he gave some of his prized fish to a man who, in turn, gave them to Dr. Theodor Cantor, a medical scientist. Nine years later, Dr. Cantor wrote an article describing them under the name Macropodus pugnax. In 1909 the ichthyologist Charles Tate Regan renamed the domesticated Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens.

Betta Veil tail are the most common seen in retail stores. They have extended fin lengths and non-symmetrical tails with the caudal fin rays usually only split once.

Betta Delta tail is one where the tail spreads less than half that of a half-moon and the tail has sharp edges.

Betta Half Moon has a "D" shaped caudal fin that forms a 180 degree angle. The edges of the tail are crisp and straight.

To keep your Betta healthy they require good clean warm water. Betta’s like water

temperatures to be kept between 25-30 Degrees Celsius. Below these temperatures will

affect their immune systems making them susceptible to diseases.

Betta fish have an organ known as the labyrinth organ which allows them to breathe air at

the water's surface. This doesn’t mean that you need not maintain good water quality as

sometimes stated on forums. This is a misconception as poor water quality makes all

tropical fish, including Betta more susceptible to diseases such as fin rot and other diseases.

It is best to keep your Betta in a tank of no less than 20 litres but 40 litres would be better.

You will often see them kept in less space than this in shops but this is only temporary and

they do need space for long term survival.

As Betta prefer slow moving waters in their natural

environment, ensure the water flow from your filter

isn’t fast. In an aquarium they still like slow moving

water flows. This does cause problems with filtration

so it is important to ensure regular cleaning and water

changes take place to keep water quality at the best

level for your Betta.

Betta will flare or puff out their gills in order to appear more impressive, to intimidate

others or in an act of courtship. If stressed or frightened they will show horizontal bars. If

females display vertical bars, this indicates a readiness to breed

Betta’s are carnivores – they like meat! They like a high protein diet so a mixture of specially

formulated Betta food and frozen food is essential. They do have small appetites however,

so don’t be tempted to over feed – there is only one in a tank remember! Feeding correctly

will ensure that your Betta maintains a healthy immune system and will live for a long time.

To mimic their natural environment, Betta’s do like places to hide. They like softer places to

hide such as live or artificial plants rather than rocks. Without places to hide your Betta will

stress and this will increase their risk of disease.

Betta can be kept with other fish, but not other male Betta fish or other fish with flowing

fins such as Guppies, Angel Fish, Mollies. Other colourful fish should be treated with caution

too such as Swordtails. They are naturally defensive towards their territory and will fight

other fish to defend their space.

You also have to be careful that other fish will not nip your Betta. If your Betta has nipped or

shredded fins then they may get an infection which will cause stress or worse death.

Keeping Betta fish just takes a little bit of pre-planning and care. Ensure there is enough

space, water flow is low and tank mates are appropriate. With these in mind, you should be

able to enjoy having a Siamese Fighting Fish in your tank, adding vibrancy and colour, for

many years.