Information on Betta Siamese Fighter Fish

Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, make popular pets due to the variety of vibrant colors of the males. Pet stores and general shops often offer them in vases with live plants that spill over the top, advertising them as good gifts. Having some basic knowledge about bettas helps owners understand and better care for these beautiful fish.

  1. Air Breathing

    • Bettas differ from most other fish in that they need to periodically breach the surface and breathe instead of pulling oxygen from the water through gills. Bettas originally developed in warm, sluggish waters in Asia (hence "Siamese" in the name), so they adapted by gulping air and processing that, somewhat akin to a mammal's lung. Like a camel can go long periods without consuming water since it stores extra in its bloodstream, the betta can last under water for a while with the air it gathers in one gulp.

    Food

    • Contrary to popular belief, bettas in bowls with plants cannot eat the plants to survive. They prefer live food, such as microworms, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae, but will typically eat dried betta food. Like any creature, bettas can be picky about their food. Overfeeding can cause health issues, especially since these fish tend to eat live food until it is gone, perhaps literally eating themselves to death. Only feed a betta as much as it can consume in about two minutes.

    Aggression

    • As the "fighting fish" portion of their name implies, bettas also display aggressive behavior. Bettas flare out their fins even at their image in a mirror and will sometimes fight other male bettas to the death. However, although the males tend to fight other male bettas, they can cohabit with other species such as neon tetras and mollies, and a number of females can live together in harmony without any males. Avoid tanking male Siamese fighting fish with types that rip fins, such as zebras.

    Variety

    • The attractive color variations of male Siamese fighting fish occur because of genetic manipulation and selective breeding. Blues, reds and greens seem to be the most common colors, but bettas also appear with see-through fins and non-pigmented scales, called cellophane; white opaque; yellow; orange; copper and black. Others have multiple colors and patterns. For instance, the rare "butterfly" patterned betta sports two or even three different colors on the fins, and the "marble" pattern looks like it has polka-dots.