Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens
(Regan, 1910)
What are they and how big do they get?
Betta splendens, commonly known as the Siamese fighting fish, is one of many species within the diverse Betta genus. The Betta genus currently comprises over 70 described species.
They're native to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Siamese fighting fish are sometimes known simply as 'Bettas'. However, referring to Siamese fighting fish as Bettas alone can be unhelpful. When asked, "Do you have any bettas in stock?" It often prompts the question, "Which species of betta are you referring to?" It’s much clearer to refer to them as Siamese fighting fish or by their scientific name, Betta splendens.
They typically reach a size of approximately 2-3 inches (5-7 cm), although there is a giant strain of Betta splendens that grows to approximately 3.5-4 inches (8-10 cm).
What temperature can they be kept at?
The Siamese fighting fish is a tropical fish and should be kept within a temperature range of around 24-30 °C (75-86 °F).
How many can be kept together?
Unlike the wild-type fish, ornamental strains have been selectively bred for unnatural traits and increased aggression.
Housing male fish together will most likely result in fighting and then death; such a situation must be avoided. When utilising racking systems or Betta barracks, ensure that the dividing walls are opaque. This can help minimise stress levels in territorial fish.
Females can be kept alone or in groups; aim for at least six for a better chance of harmony. When females are kept in insufficient numbers, they can exhibit aggression similar to that of males.
There are varying degrees of success reported when keeping a single male with a group of females in the same aquarium. To mitigate the risk of aggression and potential harm, we recommend adhering to the guidelines provided earlier for housing these fish. If you choose to house a male with a group of females, it is crucial to closely monitor their interactions and be prepared to intervene if any conflicts arise.
Please note: Wild-type fish can often be housed as pairs or mixed-sex groups, as they tend to be more accepting of each other. It is possible to have multiple pairs within the same aquarium.
Water parameters?
pH - 6.0-7.5
dH - up to 20 degrees.
What do they eat in captivity and how often should they be fed?
Siamese fighting fish are unfussy feeders, accepting most foods offered. Small frozen/live foods will be eagerly accepted. There are specially formulated Siamese fighting fish flakes and granules available.
Feeding frequency should align with the condition of the fish. Many Siamese fish are experiencing obesity and related bloating problems. It's crucial to provide adequate digestion time between meals. Allow the stomach to return to its normal size before offering another meal.
Which tankmates are recommended?
"Siamese fighting fish must be kept on their own"—this is a myth that isn't going away any time soon. The truth is, Siamese fighting fish can be kept in a carefully chosen community.
There are many smaller fish that include suitable tankmates, provided that tankmates can thrive in similar conditions and are not likely to nip, be nipped or be eaten.
The aquarium?
Siamese fighting fish should be housed in adequately sized, heated, and filtered environments that receive regular water changes. Small, unheated, and unfiltered bowls, vases, and similar containers should be avoided.
Will they breed in captivity?
Yes, Siamese fighting fish are regularly bred in captivity, and they're a bubblenesting species.
Breeders will carefully introduce a female into the male's aquarium. Typically, she will be kept safe from the male's aggression in a jar, bottle, or similar container. While the female is confined, the male should start constructing a bubble nest.
If the pair appears to be receptive to each other, the female can be released from her confinement and introduced into the male's territory. Ideally, she will swim toward the male beneath the bubble nest, where they will engage in an embrace.
During the embrace, the pair will circle their bodies and clamp onto each other before falling to the bottom of the aquarium. At this time, eggs are released and fertilized. After the embrace, the male will begin gathering the fallen eggs, carefully placing them into the bubblenest. The female will remain motionless for a few seconds, after which she may assist the male in gathering the fallen eggs. The pair will continue to embrace until the female has fully released all her eggs. At that point, she will need to be removed from the aquarium, allowing the male to care for the nest.
Eggs begin to hatch within several days, and after a few more days, the fry become free-swimming. Once the fry are free-swimming, the male can be removed to prevent him from eating them. Initially, the fry will be fed paramecium before transitioning to newly hatched brine shrimp shortly thereafter.
Fry are slow to develop, usually taking six months or so to be up to a size that is typically seen for sale in shops.
Other notes
There are many ornamental strains of Siamese fighting fish in the hobby, which differ colour and in shape. They include:
Crowntail - Crowntails have a tail that contains needle-like extensions. It often looks like the tail is split and frayed. However, when the tail is held open, it is visually stunning.
Dumbo - Dumbo fighting fish possess large and wide pectoral fins that resemble the oversized ears of Dumbo!
Double Tail - Double-tailed fighting fish have a tail that is split all the way to the base, resulting in two distinct lobes of equal length.
Delta - Delta fighting fish possess a triangular-shaped tail. The tail resembles the Greek letter delta Δ.
Fullmoon - Fullmoon fighting fish possess a double tail, with each lobe capable of spreading 180 degrees, creating a shape reminiscent of a half moon. Two halves equate to a full one!
Halfmoon - The halfmoon fighting fish has a tail that spreads in a 180-degree semicircle, resembling half a moon.
Plakat - The plakat fighting fish is an ornamental strain that has short fins.
Super Dragon: Super dragon fighting fish possess metallic scales on the head and body. The scales are reminiscent of heavily armoured dragon scales.
Veiltail - Perhaps the most common form of the fighting fish. Veiltails have a tail that droops and flows like a veil.
Conclusion
Siamese fighting fish are beautiful and deserving of their own aquarium, or to be the star within a community.
With all the amazing varieties available, there really is something to satisfy everyone's taste.
The Anabantoid Association of Great Britain
Are you familiar with the Anabantoid Association of Great Britain?
It's a friendly group of passionate aquarists who share a common interest.
The mission statement of the AAGB is 'Promoting an interest in the study and maintenance of the Anabantoidei, Badidae, Channidae, and Nandidae families.'
To learn more or to become a member of this fantastic association, please visit their website by clicking on the logo or by using the following link: www.aagb.org.