Betta Fish

About the Fish

 

 The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) also known as the betta The name of the genus is derived from ikan bettah, taken from a local dialect of Malay. The wild ancestors of this fish are native to the rice paddies of Thailand, peninsular Malaysia and Cambodia

description

Betta splendens usually grow to an overall length of about 5 cm , though some varieties reach 5-8 inches in length Although known for their brilliant colors and large, flowing fins, the natural coloration of Betta splendens is a dull green and brown, and the fins of wild specimens are relatively short. However, brilliantly colored and longer finned varieties have been developed through selectivity breeding

This species lives approximately 2–5 years in captivity, generally between 3-4, rarely 5–6 years

The fish is a member of the Gourami family

Diet

Siamese fighting fish have upturned mouths and are primarily carnivorous surface feeders, although some vegetable matter may be eaten. In the wild, they feed on zooplankton including crustaceans and the larvae of mosquitoes and other insects, such as flies, crickets, or grasshoppers Fish who feed on a wide range of foods live longer, have richer colors, and heal fin damage more quickly. Typically, commercial betta pellets are a combination of mashed shrimp meal, wheat flour, fish meal, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and vitamins. These fish will also eat live or frozen bloodworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp or daphnia

Tail shapes

    Veiltail (non-symmetrical tail, only two     rays)
    Crowntail (highly frilled or jagged rays, extended spiny rays,also called fringetail)
    Combtail (less extended version of the crown tail, derivedfrom breeding crown and veil tails)
    Boxtyzard (full moon shape with red flairs)
    Half-moon (large tail fin that forms a 180-degree or larger circle segment)
    Short-finned fighting style (sometimes called "plakat")
    Double-tail (the tail fin is split into two lobes and the dorsal fin is significantly elongated)
    Delta tail (tail span is less than half-moon with sharp edges)
    Fantail (a rounded delta tail)
    Halfsun (Combtail with anal fin going 180 degrees,like halfmoon)

    Rosetail (halfmoon with so much finnage that it overlaps and looks like a rose)

Behavior

Males and females flare or puff out their gill covers in order to appear more impressive, either to intimidate other rivals or as an act of courtship. Other reasons for flaring their gills is that they are startled by movement or change of scene in their environment. Both sexes will display horizontal bars (unless they are too light a color for this to show) if stressed or frightened; however, such a color change, common in females of any age, is very rare in mature males. Females often flare their gills at other females, especially when setting up a pecking order. Flirting fish behave similarly, with vertical instead of horizontal stripes indicating a willingness and readiness to breed (females only). In fact king Bettas flare their fins and gills as a sign of aggression or flirting with other fish. Bettas sometimes require a place to hide, even in the absence of threats. They may set up a territory centered on a plant or rocky alcove, sometimes becoming highly possessive of it and aggressive toward trespassing rivals.

On average, males are more aggressive. The aggression of this fish has been studied by ethologists and comparative psychologists. Siamese fighting fish will even respond aggressively to their own reflections in a mirror; use of a mirror avoids the risk of physical damage inherent in actual conflict, although it can lead to stress in some individuals. Like other fish, the fighter may respond to the presence of humans and become trained to respond to feeding cues (such as a hand placed over the water's surface). They are quite curious and will watch humans going about their business nearby. When plant leaves reach the surface, they are useful for males to base their bubble nests on.Ethical issues are still debated with the growing activity of pitting males together. Audience bet on the fishes while the bettas savagely attack each other. It is advised to isolate males from one another to avoid such aggression.

Tanks

Bettas can survive in a small container for periods of time, for optimum health and vigor larger tanks should be considered. A commonly accepted tank volume is 2.5 gallons, or 9.6 liters.

Tank mates

In captivity, male B. splendens are best housed alone since, as their name implies, they will aggressively attack and kill (or be killed by) another male in their territory. Putting female and male specimens together is not recommended either (except for breeding, in which the female should be removed immediately after the process) as they will often still attack each other. Female bettas can be kept together in groups of three in larger tanks with hiding places for the less-aggressive females. Male bettas have been successfully housed in large community tanks with other fish that have similar tropical temperature and water quality requirements. Bettas might harass and nip at other species that are colorful or have long, flowing fins, and may be nipped at by aggressive tank mates. Careful research should be carried out before selecting tank mates