Betta Fish

Color varieties: In their natural state Betta Fish are a dull green and brown. However, through selective breeding, breeders have created an extensive range of colors such as marble and butterfly, as well as metallic colors such as copper, gold, and opaque. They have also produced fish with longer, differently shaped and more vividly colored fins. Today, available Betta tail shapes include: veil-tail, crown-tail, half-moon, short-finned fighting style and double-tail.

Size: up to 3 inches

Gender: Females Betta Fish can be distinguished from the males by their relatively muted coloration. The female Siamese Fighting Fish do not have fins as flashy as those of the males.

Aquarium maintenance

Lifespan: up to 5 years

Temperature: 75 - 86°F

pH balance: 6 - 7.5

Aquarium specifications: For a single Siamese Fighting Fish, a minimum tank size of 3 gallons capacity is recommended, provided that it is kept in a warm room. To lengthen lifespan and improve the disposition of the fish, a 10-gallon tank may be provided. A tank with 10 gallons can safely hold three to four females. A thin layer of gravel should cover the floor of the tank. This increases the surface area for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. If more than one fish are housed together, decorations double as hiding places. The fins of the Betta are very delicate and easily harmed by rough areas and sharp points. Considering this, silk or plastic plants are preferable as decorations. Live plants in the tank will enhance the water quality and keep the tank clean. As labyrinths, the fish acquire oxygen from the air; therefore, the tank must not be covered with an airtight lid.

Water hardness: 35.7 - 142.8 mg/L

Behavior

Temperament:  The temperaments of the sexes are quite different. Generally, the males are more aggressive but there have been cases where the female proved more pugnacious. Two male B. splendens are never to be housed in the same tank as they will fight to death. The only way to keep them together is to have a dividing wall. Even a male and female cannot be kept together because of the high probability that the female will be harassed to death. Induced breeding is preferable. It is possible to house female Siamese Fighting Fish together but there should be more than two to create a hierarchy. Otherwise, one of the fishes will be bullied. Good tank mates for the Siamese Fighting Fish are mollies, catfish, loaches and Amano Shrimp. Incompatible fish include piranha, bluegills, and barbs, which are similarly aggressive.