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Betta Splendens, the Siamese Fighting Fish, is originally a small, dull-colored fish living in still, often stagnant waters in Thailand. It is one of a group of fishes known as "labyrinth fish". They have a special organ, the labyrinth organ, that allows them to utilize surface oxygen since their native waters are often not well oxygenated.

This is why they do well in small bowls with little or no water movement - but it doesn't change the need to dechlorinate the water. Chlorine burns the blood-laden tissues of the gills, keeping them from absorbing oxygen from the water. The labyrinth is simply a "backup" system and will not sustain the fish in filthy or chlorinated water. Other members of the labyrinth family include gouramis and paradise fish.

The popular form of fighting fish seen in pet stores is a man-made creation. Over countless generations of selective breeding, the fins and colors of these feisty little guys have been enhanced until a wild betta looks little or nothing like what you'd see in a bowl at home.

Sedentary by nature, the betta does not require much room - in fact, a large open tank with no cover can make them exceedingly nervous. A lone male can live quite comfortably in a 2 to 3 gallon tank with some live plants to hide in and play with. Try to resist the temptation to put in bright plastic decorations - they tend to distract from the natural beauty of the fish and can even distress him. Duckweed, micro swords, and anacharis are good choices for plants.

A small sponge filter is adequate for filtration. Some people also keep them without any filter whatsoever, and simply change the water more frequently. Filtered tanks do well with a 25 to 50% water change weekly, unfiltered tanks need one every other day. Use a small siphon if possible to get any trash or uneaten food from the bottom of the tank. Gravel is optional.

Some bettas love to react to themselves in a mirror placed next to the tank, and spread their fins in their trademark territorial display; others are more laid back and don't seem to care. They can be surprisingly good jumpers, so make sure your tank has a lid.

Most males will suck in surface air every now and then - this is normal. An active healthy male will often be seen at the surface grabbing gulps of air and spitting out a great wad of sticky bubbles - this is a good thing and will be described later. A betta constantly gasping at the surface, however, is a bad sign, especially if his colors are fading, changing, or getting

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