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Betta splendens "Siamese Fighting Fish"- Male
Bettas are one of the most beautiful of all the anabantoids (gouramis, or "air-breathers"). Their ability to breathe air directly from the atmosphere enables them to live in the stagnant pools and puddles in which they naturally occur.
The bettas seen in stores today are very different from the wild types. Throughout the years the betta has been bred for longer fins and intense colors. They are very different from the short finned, mostly brown, wild bettas.
Bettas have evolved a very intense territorial aggression to the point where they are best kept by themselves. They do not tolerate other males and females are only tolerated when breeding. This natural behavior and their ability to breathe atmospheric air makes them ideal for keeping in bowls and small aquaria. As long as the water is kept relatively warm and is changed regularly, they do very well.
Bettas are carnivorous fish and must be fed meaty foods. There are many special prepared Betta diets (flake/pellet) that are excellent foods. Blood worms, brine shrimp, and plankton are also excellent as treats. Keep in mind that a betta has a stomach about the size of it's eye. It should be fed an eyeful every day to maintain it's shape and health.
It is very popular to keep bettas in a flower vase with a terrarium plant like the peace lily. This is an excellent setup for the fish but the water must be changed weekly or more and the fish fed regularly to keep it healthy. You must also keep a fair amount of space between the water level and top of the vase, because bettas need an open space to breathe atmospheric air. Also, BETTAS DO NOT EAT THE ROOTS OF THE PLANT! This is a popular misconception about this particular setup. If you happen to see your betta nibbling the roots, this is probably just out of starvation (if you aren't feeding it) or boredom.
PLEASE NOTE: There are many names for the particular betta color patterns but most are variations of blue and/or red colors. The fish pictured above are representative of some of the variations available. If you are looking for a specific coloration, contact a livestock department representative or simply allow us to choose one of our favorites for you!
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