Keeping Siamese fighting fish (Betta Fish)
Betta splendens are one of the most popular species of freshwater aquarium fish. There is often confusion regarding these fish because of the dual names, commonly called "Siamese fighting fish" (Betta splendens), are frequently sold as just "bettas" in aquatic stores. The betta is a member of the gourami family (family Osphronemidae), but was formerly classified among the Anabantidae. Although there are a number of other types of bettas, Betta splendens is the most popular species among aquarium hobbyists.
Background:
It is native to the rice paddies of Thailand and Cambodia and called pla-kad or trey krem ("Fighting Fish") in its native [Khmer/Thai].
Betta Splendens in a Community Tank:
Due to the aggressive nature of the Betta splenden, tank-mates must be carefully chosen:
Two or more Males Betta: Male betta splendens do not fight to the death in the wild; when one fish has won the fight, the loser retreats to safety. In an aquarium, however, there is no retreat, so the victor fish continues attacking the loser, often resulting in the loser's death.
Betta splenden are generally best kept on their own in an aquarium, the individual character of each fish may enable it to be kept with our tropical fish (such as Mollies and Platties).
Betta splendens usually grow to an overall length of about 6.0 centimetres (2.4 in)
Keeping Betta fish in a biOrb:
It could be argued that Siamese Fighting fish (betta splendens) are the most attractive fish in the aquarium hobby. They’re long flowing fins have the appearance of georgette silk. They can be found in a variety of colours, usually blue or red or a combination.
Despite the name this is not an aggressive fish. The fighter gets it’s name because of the rivalry behaviour between males who will display to each other and can fight to the death. Otherwise he is peaceful and nervous in the presence of different species.
However, the male may display toward a fish which he thinks is another male, for example, a neon tetra with it’s bright red & blue or a male guppy with it’s fabulously colourful tail could spark a fight.
Although peaceful with other species the Siamese Fighter is probably happiest kept on his own or with two or three females. Many fish can find his long delicate fins irresistible and will nip at them. If he is kept with other fish they should be almost colourless, slow peaceful fish.
Females should outnumber the male so that his attentions are not focused solely on one female. The male will create a bubble nest on the water surface and fry are a possibility. For the fry to survive the male should be removed to a suitable temporary aquarium as soon as possible, however finding good homes for the young is likely to be difficult and therefore breeding is may not be advisable.
Filtration systems in most aquariums are too fast for the fighter. To remedy this and air line clamp should be used to dramatically reduce the air flow. These can be purchased from good aquatic shops. The aquarium should be quite densely planted with live, plastic or silk plants to provide cover.
