The Siamese Fighting Fish is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the Gourami family The breed, also known as Bettas (Betta splendens,) originated in Thailand.
Fighting fish are well known for their aggressive behaviour, which is most prevalent in males, but is common amongst females as well. These fish puff up in order to appear more intimidating to their enemies, or as part of their mating display. Fighting fish can be territorial and aggressive towards trespassers. For this reason many people advise not to keep 2 betta males in the same tank. Some of them will display aggression towards their own reflections. They might attack small fancy goldfish, though goldfish have been known to retaliate.
Siamese fighting fish usually grow up to 6cm in length, though some species grow up to 8cm. They have a labyrinth organ in their heads, which allows them to obtain oxygen directly from the atmosphere (in addition to oxygen in water they take in through their gills).
Because of their sophisticated breathing system, some people think that Siamese fighting fish can live in smaller aquariums without any filters and aerators. However, it is still recommended to keep them in a big enough fish tank with a filter. Optimal water temperature is at 25-28 ºC.
Although these fish are known for their long flowing fins and bright colours, the original B.splendens are naturally brown in colour. The more ornate looking betas have been developed through selective breeding.
Tails come in various shapes: Short-finned fighting style (sometimes called “plakat”), crowntail , veiltail, combtail, half-moon, rosetail., halfsun, double-tail, delta tail and fantail.
Bettas have an approximate lifespan of 2-5 years. When breeding, they mate using a mating-dance called “nuptial embrace” wherein the male and female circle each other and 10-41 eggs are released by the female. She is then chased away by the male who will build a bubble nest for the eggs. Incubation lasts 24–36 hours and the eggs hatch within 2–4 days.
Siamese Fighting Fish are primarily surface-feeding carnivores and will feed on the larvae of insects. You can feed them pellets (specially formulated for bettas), frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp or daphnia.
Source: Wikipedia.
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