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

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…

Likely to prey on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in nature.

Captive fish will normally accept dried products once they are recognised as edible, but should be offered plenty of small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia or chironomid larvae (bloodworm) regularly to ensure development of optimal colour and condition. Small insects such as pinhead crickets or Drosophila fruit flies are also suitable to use; it is best to fill the stomachs of these by feeding them fish flakes or some kind of vegetable matter before offering them to the fish.

Take care not to overfeed as Betta spp. seem particularly prone to obesity.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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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

8 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References