Betta fish, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, are aggressive by nature. A major reason males fight is that they have become territorial in the wild. Siamese Fighting Fish are a stunningly diverse species. Generally, they have an elongated body shape with a large tail fin. In addition to their vibrant coloring, these fish also possess two sets of sensory organs on either side of their mouths.
In the wild, Siamese Fighting Fish can be found in the tropical waters of Southeast Asia. Siamese Fighting Fish have been bred for over 1,000 years in Thailand, both as ornamentals and those bred for fighting. Although strictly illegal in Australia, Thai’s will often place wagers on fights. Winners are those fish that continues attacking after the other has given up. Despite their abundance as pets, B. splendens is vulnerable, due to pollution and habitat destruction. Outside Southeast Asia, “Siamese fighting fish” avoids confusion with other members of the genus. Aggressive behaviors make them live up to their name.
Very small fish may be eaten by Siamese fighting fish. Other aggressive fish species can agitate your Betta fish. Housing them with non-aggressive fish will lower their aggression. Betta fish experience frustration and depression. While most can be happy alone, their environment needs enrichment. They also experience stress when fins are picked by other fish. Signs include clamped fins, loss of color, hiding and lack of appetite.
Regarded as one of the most aggressive freshwater fish, they have earned a reputation for combat skills. Highly territorial and protective of their spaces, they will fight off anyone they feel threatened by. The aggression is noted from the fights between males. In the wild, fights are ferocious but shorter. Usually ending when one backs off. Bettas are intelligent and easy to train. Their unique traits include a labyrinth organ to breathe air and recognizing owners. When placed together, males fight to establish dominance and protect territory. This is their natural instinct and history of being bred for contests. Females can coexist peacefully with space and hiding spots. Bettas aggressive traits are often bred out by breeders. Their flowing fins and colors make them attractive pets.
Are Siamese fighting fish good pets?
Siamese Fighting Fish can make good pets if provided proper care. However, they require specific conditions to thrive, including appropriate tank size, water quality, and temperature maintenance. As labyrinth fish, Siamese fighting fish can live in low oxygen habitats longer. If a Siamese fighting fish finds itself with little to no water, it can stay alive longer than other fish.
Siamese fighting fish require a nutritious, varied diet. As carnivores, they prefer live foods like brine shrimp or worms, though good quality pellets should form their main diet. They need daily meals, but overfeeding causes health issues.
Siamese fighting fish originate from warm water and need water above 18°C. This means a heater is required in winter. Males are extremely aggressive towards each other and females, so cannot be kept together. However, they are peaceful towards other fish. Feed your fighter small floating pellets and occasionally live blackworm, freeze dried blackworm or frozen bloodworm. Feed approximately 2-3 pellets once a day.
Siamese Fighting Fish are easy to keep, placid alone, and ideal for first-time or busy owners. Usually called betta, these fish are found in Southeast Asia, where they breed in warm, shallow water. Bettas have evolved a special respiratory organ allowing them to gulp air.
If provided proper care, Siamese Fighting Fish can make good pets. However, specific conditions like appropriate tank size, water quality, temperature maintenance are required. They are intelligent fish requiring an interesting, varied environment with plants. They should not be housed with other bettas because they will fight. While territorial, they are unlikely to get lonely.
Betta fish have long, silvery bodies with vertical black stripes. They live in small groups, usually eating bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, or flakes. Very peaceful, they can be kept with similarly sized fish. Quite good pets, betta fish are very active, playful, and easy to care for. Available in various colors, they provide hours of enjoyment in a small home aquarium.
The scientific name for betta fish is Betta splendens. Called “Siamese fighting fish” or “labyrinth fish,” they are sensitive, complex individuals suffering when exploited. Native to Asia, males build bubble nests and protect young. Diurnal like us, they require darkness to sleep.
The colorful Siamese Fighting Fish is found naturally in Southeast Asia’s rice paddies and flood plains. Having the unique ability to breathe air directly, they can survive short periods out of water. As they are territorial, males are generally purchased as pets.
Keeping a Betta fish on your desk can bring serenity. But is it possible to keep them happy in a small setup?
Males have brighter colors and more ornate fins. If properly kept and fed, they can live approximately 2-5 years in captivity. To start, you can get a normal one for under $5 at most aquarium pet stores. However, there are also premium stores selling fighting fish costing $15-$30.
Reasons why a Siamese fighting fish may stop eating include poor water quality, incorrect temperature, inadequate tank size, improper lighting, unbalanced diet, illness, and stress. Identifying the cause helps the fish regain appetite.
How big of a tank does a Siamese fighting fish need?
Siamese Fighting Fish need a minimum of 2.5 gallons of water to thrive. A larger tank is better. Heat and lights are essential. Choose an aquarium heater with 5 watts of power for each gallon of water. Wait 15 minutes after filling before turning on the heater.
In the wild, Siamese Fighting Fish live in standing water. Tanks should be at least 15 litres. Small tanks do not provide adequate space.
One male Siamese Fighting Fish per tank. Females can live together. Males fight rivals. Provide 10cm depth for breeding.
Siamese Fighting Fish eat live foods like larvae and worms. Feed 1-2 times daily in small amounts. Give access to surface air using a tank lid.
Do Siamese fighting fish like small tanks?
Siamese fighters need a large tank, the same as other fish. Small “traditional” bowls cause stress. A stressed fish cannot resist illness or injury and dies earlier. Wild bettas have dull colors and short fins. Selective breeding produced beautiful bettas with exotic colors and flowing fins. Their labyrinth organ allows breathing air.
Males fight to protect territory. Never place two males in one tank. Males and females should not be together except for breeding. They become aggressive before or after.
Enthusiasts choose bettas for beauty and easy care. Their special organ allows living in bowls without filters. But bettas need clean water and maintenance for health. Males often kill each other if in the same tank. So keep only one male per tank.
Bettas originated in Siam, now Thailand. Tradition of breeding and fighting them goes back centuries. Their prices range from cheap to expensive. They can jump out of tanks.