Did you know that betta fish are fighter fish, and these small living beings can breathe with their heads out of the water?
Do you want to know other important details about this fish commonly found in aquariums that many people keep as a pet at home? Then stay tuned to this article because we will tell you everything you need to know about this species, from its history to its care.
History of betta fish
Betta fish is born in Southeast Asia, Thailand, and Cambodia. In the former, they have been bred in houses for combat for about 650 years. In fact, fighting was so popular in the kingdom of Siam that the king established a tax on it.
Male betta displays a forceful attitude towards each other. They were given the name betta, which comes from the Bettah, an ancient clan of warriors.
Its final name, Betta splendens, was not assigned until 1910 when Dr. Tate Regan thought it was a different species from Macropodus Pugnax.
Originally, betta fish did not have the vibrant colors so common today but dull greens, browns, greys, reds, and blues, which were their natural colorations.
Characteristics of betta fish
The taxonomic variety of betta fish indicates that they belong to the order Perciformes and the family of Osphronemidae.
This species is described by an organ known as a labyrinth. It is possible that, as we said at the beginning, it breathes outside the water. Betta fish are in fish tanks and jump to bring oxygen. This characteristic allows them to survive in environments with little water, even clammy ones.
On average, a betta grows to 6.5 cm in length and can come in various bright colors, including red, blue, black, purple, and others. In addition, thanks to selective breeding, the fins can have different shapes, which is why they are highly sought-after aquatic species.
If there is one element that distinguishes them and allows them to be classified, it is their tail, which is always striking. In this sense, the best known are the crown-tailed, veil-tailed, half-moon-tailed, and double-tailed betta fish.
Betta fish are freshwater fish. In their natural environment, they are found in swamps, ponds, and other shallow sources at temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 °C.
As for its swimming or movement, it is a fish that swims slowly and moves subtly through the water. As it is not a great swimmer, it is common to see it standing at the bottom of the fish tank or on some plant. Betta fish’s life span is between 3 and 5 years.
Feeding betta fish
As with other fish species, bettas are omnivores so you can feed them vegetables and meat.
Feeding them specific fish food is common, but you can also include worms, vegetables, larvae, bait, and other food in their diet. Remember that although you can give them plants, a diet would not be complete if you only used them.
How much can a betta fish eat? An adequate amount is as much as it can consume in about 3 minutes.
Betta fish care
If you decide to keep betta fish at home, you must know basic care instructions. This is the only way to nourish them with a habitat where they feel relaxed and keep them as companions for a long time. Therefore, below are some suggestions that you should follow.
The size of the aquarium
Because betta fish can survive in spaces with little water, it has become a popular belief that they do not need a large fish tank or aquarium. However, this does not mean you should put them in a place that is too small for them.
It is true that the aquarium can be small, but don’t overdo it. It should be a place where they have freedom of movement, and above all, it should be proportional to the number of specimens you have.
Water filter
We have already said that these fish are not good swimmers and find it difficult to avoid currents. The water filter must be low-power so the jet does not bother them.
Suitable temperature
This species has a great capacity to adapt to the environment. However, it will be more comfortable with a water temperature of 26 to 28ºC.
Accessories in the fish tank
Because they are naturally curious fish, you can include different plants and accessories in the tank with which they can interact. Don’t forget that they often rest on plants and gravel, so adding a good amount of these will be ideal. However, don’t add large accessories because these could damage their fins.
One male per fish tank
The betta fish’s name, “fighter,” was not given to them for nothing, as males can start fights to the death among themselves. To avoid fights, it is best to have only one male and several females in each tank.
Males are very territorial; if you put them in the same place as other species, they will start fighting. It is also not advisable to put them in the same place as other species. They could become their food, as their slow swimming would work against them.
Turn off the light
The betta fish needs darkness to sleep. So when night falls, turn off the light in the fish tank or the room where it is located so that it can sleep well.
A fish tank with a lid
These fish come to the surface to get oxygen, so an accident could happen if the tank does not have a lid. Put one on.
Reproduction of betta fish
The reproduction of betta fish is a very curious process that involves, among other things, building a nest, courtship, and caring for the young.
In principle, both the male and the female must know each other before beginning courtship. The former could attack the latter, considering her an intruder.
It all starts when these species reach the reproductive age of 5 months. At that time, the male blows bubbles to create a nest on the surface. When he is ready, courtship begins.
The male displays his fins and widens his gills to attract the female. When she agrees, they circle around until the male uses one fin to embrace the female, turn her over, and fertilize her.
After this, the female releases between 3 and 7 eggs that the male captures and returns to the nest. This process can be repeated repeatedly.
The male will now take on the role of faithful protector of the nest until the eggs hatch after 24 to 48 hours.