Betta fish are some of the most beautiful freshwater fish around. They come in many colors and have long, flowing tails. Wild male Betta's have short rounded fins The beautiful specimens that are available in pet stores today have been developed from the wild variety. Through selective breeding quite a number of different varieties have been developed, sporting gorgeous colors and incredible fin formations.
The most famous Betta is the Siamese Fighting fish. The word Betta comes from a local Siamese name for Siamese Fighting fish, “Ikan Bettah”. In South East Asia Betta splendens is traditionally kept as a fighting fish. The Bettas kept in Asia as fighting fishes were brown with a tinge of green and their fins were much smaller than the fins that we can see on the aquarium kept Bettas of today. The Betta fish species were quite unknown among European and American scientists and fish enthusiasts until the early 19th century and now Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of the most popular types of fish found in homes across the world. The contemporary Thai name for this fish is Pla-kad. Siamese Fighting fish is not the only Betta fish that is well liked by aquarists. Betta genus contains more than 50 described species. One of the most frequently kept Betta species aside from the Siamese Fighting fish is Betta imbellis – the Peaceful Betta. The Peaceful Betta is native to Malaysia and can reach a maximum size of 3 inches. As the name suggests, it is a docile fish compared to the Siamese Fighting fish and the Peaceful Betta can do well in a community aquarium with other non-aggressive species.
Betta’s are relatively easy to care for and their low maintenance is particularly appealing to people who would like to have fish but don’t have a lot of time to care for them. This fish is quite hardy and will adapt to most aquarium conditions. A minimum sized aquarium for a single specimen would be 3 gallons if kept in a warm room, and with regular maintenance. They will do best however in a larger aquarium, with adequate filtration and a heater, along with regular maintenance. A 10 gallon aquarium is recommended. Provide gentle water circulation and some sturdy aquarium plants. The aquarium should be covered to prevent jumps. They are quite disease resistant, very resilient, readily available, and inexpensive. Relative to other fish, they require very little in order to survive and thrive. Betta Fish makes a perfect pet for kids because they don't need a lot of attention and they are easy to be taken care of!
