

It is the most common betta variety and is the result of careful breeding. The enormous betta is one of several betta fish species. splendens as Vulnerable because of increased pollution and habitat damage. The Siamese fighting fish is popularly known to be the national aquatic animal of Thailand, which continues to be the leading producer and supplier of betta fish for the global aquarium industry.ĭespite their popularity as pets, the IUCN has classified B. So, it is imperative that you do your research and monitor the fish's behaviors very closely if you are planning on breeding them.īettas' unusual labyrinth organ is a feature unique to the Anabantoidei suborder that allows surface air entry, allowing them to withstand low oxygen levels and poor water quality. Furthermore, while breeding, a betta fish pair can get hostile towards each other post-mating, and either of the fish can also eat the eggs. In limited quarters, female bettas can grow territorial toward one another too. Their extensive history of selective breeding has resulted in a vast range of color and finnage, earning them the title 'designer fish of the aquatic world'.īettas are notoriously territorial, with males prone to fighting each other if kept in the same tank without a method of escape, one or both fish will likely perish. They originally emerged in the west in the late 1800s and got popular as ornamental fish within a few decades. Because of the shallow water and high air temperature, gases quickly evaporate, resulting in a considerable oxygen shortage in the betta's native environment.īettas were well-known outside of Thailand thanks to King Rama III, who presented them to Theodore Cantor, a Danish physician, naturalist, and botanist, sometime between 1788-1851.

Bettas were discovered and domesticated by humans because of the historical prominence of rice farming in Southeast Asia, which offered an excellent environment for them. These fish are unique to Thailand's central plain and have been domesticated by humans for over a thousand years, making them one of the longest-lived fish on the planet.īetta splendens prefer shallow areas of water with rich vegetation, such as marshes, floodplains, and paddy fields, wherever they are found. While the genus betta contains 73 species, only Betta splendens is ordinarily called a betta, owing to its global popularity as a pet.īettas are widely available aquarium fish, owing to their varied and vibrant color, diverse morphology, and low maintenance requirements. The fish is endemic to Southeast Asia and a popular choice for aquariums all across the world. The betta, or Betta splendens, is a fish that thrives in freshwater. They dwell in the wild in areas with standing water, such as rice paddies, floodplains, and canals. Surprisingly, they are not found in puddles, contrary to common perception. They have a very popular reputation for being aggressive, territorial, and 'fighting' fish.īetta fish are indigenous to the areas of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. They belong to the Gourami family they are commonly referred to as bettas. Betta fish are aquarium fish that are well-known for their attractive look.
