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Betta / Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)

Origin & Appearance

The Betta, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, originates from shallow rice paddies, canals, and floodplains of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Wild males are generally muted greenish-brown with iridescent scales, while captive-bred varieties come in a dazzling range of colors (blue, red, white, yellow, black) and fin types (veil, crown, delta, halfmoon). Males are territorial and should not be housed together, but females can often be kept in small groups (“sororities”) with care.

Care Summary

• Temperature: 24–28 °C

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 L for a single male; 30–40 L for a female sorority

• Behavior: Males are aggressive toward other males; females are generally peaceful

• Diet: Carnivore/omnivore — high-quality pellets, frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

• Tank Setup: Calm water, gentle filtration, densely planted with hiding spaces; floating plants recommended

• Breeding: Bubble nest builders; male guards eggs and fry until free swimming

• Lifespan: 3–5 years