COLORFUL |
Some facts about the betta ... |
Betta (pronounced BET-uh, not BAY-tuh) splendens is commonly known as the Siamese fighting fish because males will fight each other until only one remains. Even if the loser is still alive, he often dies soon after the fight from injuries and/or infection that begins at the site of injuries. That is why males must be separated from each other, with only one kept in a container or tank. They will, however, get along fine with many other peaceful tropical fish species, such as corydoras and glowlight tetras. |
These little fish, whose body length is about 2 inches when grown, come originally from Southeast Asia, but those found in pet/fish stores usually are bred commercially and come in a variety of color combinations. When cared for properly, bettas can be expected to live for about two years, although with excellent care, some have lived as long as three or more years. Ask your pet store dealer the approximate age of the betta you purchase. |
A member of the anabantid family, bettas are also known as labyrinth fish because of an accessory breathing organ located within the head. The labyrinth organ enables bettas and other anabantids (such as gouramis), which often are found in the wild in dirty, oxygen-poor waters, to gulp atmospheric oxygen at the water's surface. For this reason, your betta must always have access to the surface of the water in his container to prevent undue stress, even when his water is well oxygenated. |
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These pages designed by Donna VanTreese Shelby (copyright 2001) |
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This fishy site is family-friendly! |
Keeping bettas is a great family hobby, whether you care for just one betta or a dozen. Click on the "Betta Care" button for information about giving your pet(s) the good life. |
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How to get started. Lots of photos, so takes a minute to load. |
What you need and what to do with it. |
This page was last updated
on: July 2, 2003
Keep a betta in a vase with a peace lily or other flowering plant with no food except the plant roots? Only if you want your betta to die and become fish fertilizer for the plant! These betta/plant pairs may look lovely, but they are being marketed by people who know next to nothing about proper betta care. Bettas are carnivores (that means they eat meat, such as insects, worms and other fish -- not plants). They must always have access to the surface of the water to gulp atmospheric oxygen and they must have their water changed regularly so it stays clean. If you purchase such a betta, please plan to change its living arrangements. Click on the "Betta Care" button to learn how to give your betta proper room and board. |
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Warning! Warning! Warning! |
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Photo by Donna C. VanTreese |
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