The betta fish is currently one of the most frequently purchased fish for home aquariums, though this was not always the case. Today’s vibrantly colored betta fish are quite different from their dull brown ancestors. The colorful betta fish widely marketed today are the result of selective breeding for specific coloration patterns in the betta’s genetic line. The betta fish is actually naturally dull green or brown in color, without its typically large fins. Betta fish are native to Cambodia, China, Vietnam and Malaysia. The term “Siamese Fighting Fish” which is sometimes used to describe betta fish is actually reminiscent of the ancient practice of ‘fish fighting’. Approximately 150 years ago, there were still some areas of the world where betta fish fighting was a popular sport.
APPEARANCE
Selectively bred betta fish tend to be very colorful, with vibrant green, orange, violet, pink and red patterns. These colors are usually extremely brilliant, as only the most concentrated color hues are typically selected for breeding betta fish in captivity. This is combined with the large, silk-like fins of the betta fish, which can be approximate twice the length of the betta fish’s total body. Most betta fish grow to a length of 2.4 inches (6.0 cm), though there are some varieties of betta fish that can grow up to 3.1 inches in length. Certain betta fish are also bred in a “Giant Betta” variety, which can exceed a length of 3.1 inches due to a selective manipulation of a mutant gene.
Betta fish in the wild, however, are vastly different in appearance than commercially bred betas. Wild betas are usually a dull shade of brown or green, with relatively short fins. Though betta fish were originally classified as being part of the Anabantidae family, they are now officially classified as being of the Gourami family. There are currently about 50 different types of betas, though only a few select types are often used for commercial breeding.
BEHAVIOR
Betta fish are known for being an aggressive breed of fish, which is why they were used in fish fighting tournaments. In general, however, male betta fish tend to be much more aggressive than female betta fish, though both sexes display aggressive behavior when provoked. As part of their behavioral pattern, betta fish will puff out their gills in order to appear more intimidating. This behavior is also sometimes used in acts of courtship.
FEEDING
Betta fish are natural carnivores, and need to be fed a diet that is high in organic proteins. Because of their upturned mouth, betta fish are designed to be surface feeders. Most betta fish can be fed a commercial diet designed specifically for betta fish, which is usually available in the fish pet care section of most pet care supply stores. In general, the ingredients of commercially produced betta food includes special vitamins, bloodworms, brine shrimp, fish mean and shrimp meal. However, it’s usually best to combine a specialized betta food formula with either live or frozen food.
3 Responses to “Betta Fish Care”
hey Makayla: i have one male betta..my boyfriend has 2 crowntail bettas & one regular betta like me. we put the crowntail with the regular betta & they ended up fighting horribly. the regular betta was trying to avoid him & stayed in one corner of the tank. so if i wana put 2 regular betta fish together on a tank, do u think thats a gud idea??
how do I know if it a male betta or a female
the males are usully larger and have larger fins and are more colorful. females however are smaller and don’t have large fins and are usully duller in color. i got my betta fish at petco and it said on the container it came in.