Betta Splendens, or the Siamese Fighting Fish, is one of the most popular fish in the fishkeeping world. This is largely due to misconceptions regarding the betta's needs and housing requirements, as many are led to believe they are no-maintenance pets or decoration. When properly cared for, the betta is an extremely rewarding pet for hobbyists looking for single exhibits or a good community fish. That's right, I said a community fish - the reputation of these fish for aggression is not entirely accurate, as will be discussed later.

Origin:

Bettas originated in Thailand, though their distinctive colors and features do not exist in the wild. These fish can adapt to short periods of time in very small quarters, an adaptation to periods of drought or dry seasons in which the fish had to be able to live in mud puddles or other areas of very little water. However, this is only a short-term ability; wild bettas generally live in vast rice paddies where they have plenty of free swim space.

Types:

Colors of bettas vary widely from the solid colors to marbled, butterfly, dragon and more. While most pet stores sell veiltail bettas, with their flowing spade-shaped tails, these are far from the only ones available. Some of the other types of bettas include:

Crowntails - Good crowntails have at least a 180-degree spread of their tails with a serrated edge. There are several varieties of crowntail, determined by the different types of serrated edge.

Deltas and Super Deltas - These fish have a split, rounded tail fin with smooth edges.

Plakats - Both male and female plakats have short fins, though the fins can vary in type and shape. These are often seen with a rounded smooth or crown tail, but spade-shaped tails are also common.

Halfmoons and Over-Halfmoons - These fish have gorgeous flowing, rounded fins. halfmoons have a 180-degree fin spread, while over-halfmoons are classified by the over-180 spread. A good over-halfmoon will have fins around its entire body, except directly in front of its head, when fully flared. One popular variety of halfmoon is the rosetail, an attractively ruffled tail.

There are other types available on the market, especially through individual breeders, though these are some of the most popular.

Availability:

Veiltails, of the quality generally peddled by fish farms, are widely available in pet stores for around $3-$5 each. These are generally a very poor quality of fish that should not be bred for private sale. Anyone wishing to breed

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Betta fish facts?
We want to hear your view. Write now!