About
The genus Betta contains more than 73 recognized species but by far the
most popular is Betta Splendens or The Siamese Fighting Fish.
Betta Splendens is native to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. It
lives in rice paddies, shallow pools, ditches and slow moving streams,
feeding primarily on insect larvae. All Bettas possess an auxiliary
breathing organ allowing them to take in air from the surface to
compensate for low oxygen levels in their pools.
These fiesty little fish earn their name due to the lucrative practice of
pitting males against one another and wagering on the outcome; a
breeding practice focusing on aggression, not colourful finnage.
Male Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens)
original wild specimen from southeastern Asia
The Betta as a more peaceful aquarium fish with beautiful colours and
lush fins, came to Europe in the late 1800’s. They were first seen in the
U.S. in 1910 and today, top the list as the most popular fish with U.S.
breeders. Commercial Betta farms in Malaysia and Singapore still breed
for wagering but also breed for display.
The explosion of choice in the way of colour, fin length and shape, these
days is dizzying. And through focused breeding the drab little females
can now match the males in all but fin length.
The most recent variation on Betta Splendens is something called the
Giant Betta, available with short or long fins and just as vividly coloured,
it can often grow to four or five inches long.
Care
Housing: Minimum of 2 gallon container for one Betta, with
50% water change on a weekly basis.
Water quality: Bettas thrive in water with a “neutral” pH of
around 7.0. Most tap water pH will fall between 6.5 to 7.5. TDS
(total dissolved solids) should be 0. Tap water can be used if
fairly neutral and left in an open container for 24 hours before
use. This step is crucial to allow the chlorine to dissapate.
Water conditioner and a PH test kit is a good idea.
Temperature: Bettas are healthiest in water 76 - 78 degrees
fahrenheit.
Food: Frozen blood worms, mosquito larvae, high quality Betta
pellets.
Females: Can be kept as a solitary fish in a two gallon
container or together in small groups in a large community
tank (known as a Betta sorority).
Males: Keep in at least a 2 gallon container as a solitary fish.
Can sometimes be included in a large community tank as the
only Betta, depending on what other fish are housed with him.
Breeding
Put male and female in a bare bottom tank with a clear divider.
Lower water to about 6 inches and maintain a tight cover to trap
humidity above the water line. Condition with live foods and
slowly raise temperature to 82˚F. 1. Male will start to build a
bubblenest at the surface, under a leaf or in a corner which
requires humidity to maintain its form. When the nest is fairly
thick and 2. female is distended with eggs, remove the divider.
If she’s ready spawning will happen within an hour or two. If not,
the male will attack her so put the divider back in place and try
again in a day or so. 3. The Male will wrap around her as they spawn
and 4. eggs will fall to the bottom of the tank. The male and some-
times the female, will pick up the eggs and spit them into the
bubblenest.
5. Remove the female after spawning as the male will drive any-
thing away from the nest. He will continuously mouth the eggs
and create new bubbles while the babies are developing. If the
tank’s been maintained at 80˚F the 6. eggs will begin to hatch in
24 to 30 hours. Allow the male to tend to the fry for 2 or 3 more
days while they absorb their yolk sac. Then remove him. Begin to
feed fry once male has been removed.
Raising Fry
For the first three days after becoming free-swimming the fry will need infusoria
and tiny free-living nematodes like Vinegar Eels, Microworms, Banana Worms,
and Walter Worms. At one week of age they can start feeding on baby brine
shrimp, dried egg yolk and other tiny life forms
Keep in breeding tank for 3 to 4 weeks then transfer to a grow out tank. Watch
for aggression, as these fry are likely males. Once identified, raise males singly
in one gallon jars.
1 2
3 4
5 6
Betta Coccina
Bubble nest builder, insect eater and
occupant of dark peat streams with
pH as low as 3.0 or 4.0. Sexes to be
housed separately for general
maintenance.
Betta Pallifina
Mouthbrooder, insect eater and occupant
of dark peat, streams, pH of 6.6, hardness
of 3 GH. Not suitable for community aquar-
iums. Pair can be housed together in large
tank. Condition separately for breeding.
Other
Betta Imbellis
Bubble nest builder, insect eater and
occupant of dark peat streams. No
special water conditions and can be
kept in pairs in well planted tanks
larger than 10 gallons.
Many thanks to Pixabay and
Shutterstock for use of photos.
Siamese Fighting
Fish
Keeping Bettas in prime condition
