Introduction

Introduction to Siamese Fighting Fish – Beta Splendens

Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens, are a breed of small fish that are also known simply as Betta Fish and Fighting Fish. Originally from Cambodia and Thailand, they have been selectively bred for more than 100 years for their intense and varied colours and appearance and as such bear little resemblance to their wild ancestors.

These days though, Siamese Fighting Fish are kept mainly by enthusiasts, hobbyists and pet owners looking for a low maintenance and easy to keep pet and are quite often the result of a present or gift from a loved one or friend.

Their ease of care can be mainly attributed to the fact that in nature they live mainly in shallow pools of water in rice fields and as such can be easily kept as a pet in a small glass or plastic container. The males are the most popular, as they are brightly coloured with long elegant fins but they are also aggressive toward each other and as such should be separated from other males and either kept by themselves or with a different variety that is suitable.

Therefore they are not fussy about the size of their fish tank which makes them easy to keep but there is a minimum size. The consensus is they will be happier if given at least 4 litres of water to swim around in. Also coming naturally from a warmer climate Siamese Fighting Fish don’t like cold water but they will survive typically in a fish tank that is not heated as long as the room temperature can maintain the water temperature at a minimum of 20 C.

So if you’re looking for a low maintenance pet, hobby or gift for a friend, a Siamese Fighting Fish might very well be the answer. They are fairly easy to look after, can be kept with a minimum of fuss and best of all can be easily kept when most other options have been ruled out because of lack of space.

A final word of warning though…………be careful, keeping Siamese Fighting Fish can be addictive, once you buy your first you may start thinking about your second.

Read about how I got started keeping Siamese Fighting Fish