Edit Betta splendens
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Name
Scientific name
Betta splendens
Described by
Authority Regan, Year 1910
Family
Osphronemidae
Common names
Siamese Fighting Fish
Photograph credits
All 29 credited
Summary
The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, is a labyrinth fish from central Thailand, native to rice paddies, swamps, ditches and other st…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
70mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 45 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–30°C, pH 6–8
Hardness
1–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Species tank only
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Thailand, Chao Phraya, Mae Klong
Writing
Etymology
Betta: from ikan betah, the vernacular Malay for species of this genus. splendens: from the Latin splendens, meaning 'shining, glittering'.
Distribution
Occurs naturally throughout central Thailand, from Chiang Rai province in the north to Surat Thani and Phang Nga provinces at the northern extremity of the Mal…
Habitat
Inhabits still and sluggish waters, including rice paddies, swamps, roadside ditches, streams and ponds. These are often shaded by submerged, surface or margin…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measurements of 45 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent is large enough for a single male or pair. SF does not support the practice of keeping this spec…
Maintenance
This species fares best in a well-planted, shady aquarium with plenty of surface cover in the form of tall stem plants, floating types such as Salvinia or Ricc…
Water conditions
Temperature: 22 – 30 °C pH: Wild-collected fish are likely to prefer a value between 5.0 - 7.0, but ornamental strains are unfussy with a range of 6.0 – 8.0 ac…
Diet
Likely to prey on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in nature. Captive fish will normally accept dried products once they are recognised as edible, but sho…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not recommended for the standard community aquarium. Its care requirements and disposition mean it is best kept alone. Sometimes individual fish may tolerate o…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are more colourful and develop more-extended fins than females, this being taken to extremes in some of the innumerable ornamental strains (see 'Notes').
Reproduction
Bubble nester. It is particularly important to provide plenty of cover for the female, and empty camera film canisters or lengths of plastic tubing can be used…
Notes
This species is among the most popular and well-known aquarium fishes. Its common name is derived from the tradition of keeping the fish in order to fight agai…
References
References
8 on this profile