My name is Frank Benet, and I have been caring for Betta for a long time! In fact, as the son of a tropical fish hobbyist, you could almost
say I was born with a fish net in my hand. My love of fish sort of came naturally to me, and I've never lost it. Betta fish have long been my
favorite due to their fierce nature, beautiful colors, and showy fins.
Betta fish are beautiful, fun to own, and fascinating creatures. They can be addictive. Many Betta fish owners find that one is not enough.
It would be easy to forget that these creatures are not merely decorative items but living, breathing creatures that require thought, time,
and regular care and maintenance.
Some Betta Fish Facts
Betta fish are native to the rice paddies of Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia. They are extremely territorial by nature and can viciously
defend that territory if need be. Because of this, Betta fish are often known as "Siamese Fighting Fish". Indeed, the fish were at one time
pit against each other for sport and profit in Siam (now Thailand).
In the wild, male Betta don't usually kill each other unless their territory is too small. Usually, a simple display of "flaring" by one Beta is
sufficient to scare the less aggressive one away. If actual combat occurs, it's usually no more serious than some nipping before one of the
males retreats. It's rarely a fight to the death.
Bettas are members of the Gourami family. Though there are nearly 50 other species of Bettas, the variety known as "Splendens" is the
most popular. The Betta is often called the "Jewel of the Orient" due to its brilliant and jewel tone colors, although it is the male who
carries the spectacular colors and fins while the female is less colorful. The brilliant colors of today's Betta fish are a result of selective
breeding efforts. Historically, Betta fish were bred more to develop their aggression and fighting skills than to make them pleasing to the
eye.
As far as Betta breeds, the only significant difference among Betta fish is the shape of the tail. Betta tail shapes are: Veil tail, round tail,
delta tail, half-moon tail, double tails, and crown tails.
Betta fish were first introduced to the United States by Dr. Theodore Cantor, who obtained some indirectly from the King of Siam.
Basic Care of Betta Fish
Betta fish are not difficult to care for, but they do have specific needs that differ from other tropical fish. They do better in shallow, slow
moving, even stagnant water. They require a higher temperature than many other fish. If you plan on owning more than one male, they
will need separate tanks. Bettas are carnivores and need a specific diet. Besides specially formulated pellets that can be purchased at a
pet store, Bettas will also eat mosquitoes and mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, and blood worms.
Treating Sick Bettas
Bettas can and do get sick. Some symptoms might include lack of appetite, lethargy, erratic swimming, bulging eyes, or bloating of the
body. You may, find your fish laying on the bottom of the tank or hovering at the top of the tap gasping for air. His find may be clamped
tightly, he may have spots on his body that look like salt crystals, he may look like he has tufts of cotton on his body. If caught in time, the
Betta can usually be treated successfully and returned to good health.
Betta Fish Companions
Despite the reputations that Bettas like to live alone, in fact Betta can and do like companionship. There are some species of cat fish,
other live bearing fish, and some frogs that can be good companions. However, never mix your Betta with cold water fish, or your male
Betta with other fish with showy fins, and especially with other male Bettas. Female Bettas can live together, although they will also show
their aggression by developing a "pecking order".
What You Will Find On This Site
You will find numerous Betta Fish articles. You will have the opportunity to sign up for our free Betta care email course. We also have
written a review of the three most popular E-books on Betta fish care. Please feel free to browse our site and we hope you will return
again and again.
Welcome Betta fish lovers!
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