SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH (BETTA)

Hi, I’m Midnite.   On the kitchen counter in my house is a Siamese Fighting Fish called Red.   It sits in a small tank and I walk by it every day.   It does not seem to be concerned that I am in the area.

The Siamese Fighting Fish, also known as a betta, is one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish.   It can live in small containers that require no filters or aerators.   It is native to Thailand and Cambodia where it can be found in rice paddies.

The betta can be up to 3.1  inches long and comes in a variety of bright colors.   Its large flowing tail fins comes in several shapes.    The colors increase in brightness when it becomes agitated.   It can breathe through an opening in its head besides its gills.   The betta  is a carnivorous surface feeder that feeds on insects in the wild.   In captivity, it is fed pellets made up of mashed shrimp, fish meal and bloodworms.

The fish is very agressive.   In the wild, it will attack another betta  with the loser retreating to safety.   In capavity, two bettas in the same container will fight to the death because there is no where to retreat.   It is very difficult to have a betta live with other fish.  The betta will eat, harrass or be eaten by other fish.   Like on my kitchen counter, Red lives alone in its container.

The betta is very curious and will observe movement around it.   It can be trained to respond to hand movements before feeding.   Because a betta likes a place to hide, some plant life should be put in the container.

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