Bettas are tropical fish. They live in the gentle waters of Thailand and other surrounding countries.
These aggressive fish are fiercely protective of their territories. They prefer to hide amongst the vegetation and avoid other bettas in the area.
Bettas have a long history, having been around for centuries. Over the years, humans have bred them for more vibrant colors.
Where Are Betta Fish From?
Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, are native to Southeast Asia. They primarily live in Thailand, though they also live in nearby countries. Look for them in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
The History Of Betta Fish
Bettas have been around for over a thousand years.
There are more than 70 betta species, and they all originate from Southeast Asia.
Bettas did not always have the bright colors that we know today.
We can see their original coloration in wild bettas. Wild bettas living in Southeast Asia are duller and have shorter fins. Research also shows that they tend to be far less aggressive.
At least 1,000 years ago, humans began keeping them as pets.
The territorial nature of bettas earned them the name “Siamese fighting fish.” Locals began raising bettas for sport. They would bet on the fighting fish, like dog or rooster fighting. Eventually, breeders started selectively breeding them for aggression.
Around the 19th century, owners began breeding bettas more for color than aggression. Today’s wide variety of colors, patterns, and tail types come from selective breeding.
It is unlikely that wild bettas would have developed these colors without intervention.
Betta Fish Conservation & Genetics
Today, wild and domestic bettas are genetically different. They can breed with one another despite their differences.
Mating between wild and domestic bettas doesn’t happen often. It likely occurs when owners release their pets into the wild.
Unfortunately, many betta species are vulnerable or endangered, largely due to habitat loss. Introducing domestic bettas to the wild is detrimental to wild populations.
Domestic bettas are more aggressive than wild ones. Enough healthy domestic bettas could eventually destroy wild populations.
What Does The Name “Betta Fish” Mean?
The name “betta splendens” combines the Malay and Latin languages. “Betta” comes from a Malay word that means “enduring fish,” while “splendens” is Latin for “shining.”
The name is fitting, considering their hardiness and the vast array of colors.
Betta Fish Natural Habitat
Betta fish in the wild live in slow-moving waters that are warm and full of vegetation.
Water temperatures in their range usually remain between 70-80°F (21.1-26.7°C).
The waters that bettas inhabit are low in oxygen. They have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air at the water’s surface. The ability enables them to survive in oxygen-deprived environments. Such low oxygen levels would kill most fish.
What Do Betta Fish Eat In The Wild?
In the wild, betta fish consume a protein-rich diet primarily comprising insects. They also eat plankton, insect larvae, and crustaceans.
Bettas are obligate carnivores. They need a lot of protein and cannot digest plant material.
Betta Fish Care
It’s easy to have a healthy betta fish by providing them with the proper care.
It’s a myth that bettas can live in bowls. They can survive for a time, though the poor conditions compromise their health. The lack of care causes them to have shorter lifespans.
To keep a betta healthy, hobbyists need a low-flow filter, a heater, decorations, and the right food.
Bettas need to live in the right conditions:
- Temperature: 75-81°F
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: >40 ppm
Providing them with everything they need is simple with a bit of research.
How Much Space Does A Betta Fish Need?
At the smallest, a betta fish with no tankmates needs at least three gallons of water. Most need at least five gallons, and ten is even better.
Those wishing to set up a community tank should choose a tank that is at least ten or 20 gallons.
What Fish Can Live With Bettas?
Most bettas can safely live with peaceful community fish who are dull in color and have short fins.
A few good choices include:
- Zebra danios
- Harlequin rasboras
- Corydoras
- Platies
Bettas see bold colors and long fins as a threat. Avoid fish like guppies and swordtails.
Avoid fish that are large and aggressive. Despite being aggressive themselves, bettas are slow swimmers and have delicate fins. Barbs and tetras are typically bad choices because they like to nip at fins.
FAQs
Do Betta Fish Get Lonely?
Betta fish do not get lonely and do not need to live with other fish.
Keeping them in a community tank is for the benefit of the hobbyist. Bettas seem to be as happy in a community tank as they are alone.
Male betta fish should never live together. Male bettas are incredibly territorial and will fight, causing each other injury.
Likewise, males and females are incompatible except during breeding.
Females may live in a group of five or more female bettas if there is enough space and hiding places.
Where To Buy Betta Fish
Bettas are widely popular. Hobbyists can buy them from pet stores and local and online breeders.
Most pet stores will have cheaper, more common bettas. Buyers are likely to see veiltails, crowntails, and halfmoons, etc.
Hobbyists are better off going through breeders for rarer colors and tail types.
How Long Do Betta Fish Live?
Betta fish have an average lifespan of two to five years when they receive proper care. Owners who provide outstanding care may see their bettas live slightly longer.
Many hobbyists claim they’ve had bettas live to over six years old. The oldest betta is said to have lived to about ten years of age. Unfortunately, these accounts are anecdotal and can’t be confirmed.
How Do I Know If My Betta Fish Is Happy?
A happy betta is an active betta with a healthy appetite. Betta fish love swimming around and exploring their tanks. They have no concept of being full; a healthy betta will have a hearty appetite.
A healthy betta should display their usual vibrant coloration. They begin to lose their color when they’re sick.
A betta constantly lying on the bottom of its tank or hiding all day is likely sick.
Creating bubble nests does not necessarily mean a betta is healthy. It is instinctual behavior and shows they are ready to breed.
