Betta fish are a great suggestion for indoor aquarists because of their vivid colors, modest space habits, affordable pricing, and generally simple maintenance requirements. Why Are Betta So Popular Among Aquarists?
Additionally, because Betta fish don’t need a lot of space, many people prefer to maintain them in aquariums at home rather than building sizable ponds or lakes outside as some other species would.
It’s understandable why betta fish has become a wildly popular pet. You’re in luck if you love betta fish a lot! We have swum around looking for entertaining betta fish facts that will inform you of everything you need to learn about these charming fishy companions and will astonish even the most knowledgeable fish enthusiasts.
The History Of Siamese Fighting Fish
Over 150 years ago, Thailand (then Siam) started keeping bettas. The Siamese Fighting Fish got their name because kids would gather them in rice paddies and put them together just to watch them fight. Betting on these competitions spread quickly. Because of their popularity, the King of Siam decided to control and tax them.
In 1840, the King donated some fish to the man who would then give them to Dr. Theodore Cantor, a surgeon from Denmark. The doctor raised them, researched them, and later named them Macropodus pugnax in a scholarly study. Charles Tate Regan titled the fish Betta splendens, which means “beautiful warrior,” after learning that there was already a fish with that name.
The name has stuck to this day. The first bettas were introduced into Germany and France mostly in the 1890s, and the first bettas were brought into The US in 1910 by Mr. Frank Locke from San Francisco, California.
However, it is thought that those same fish were named after the ancient Asian Bettah warrior group, which is pronounced: “bet-tah.” Americans occasionally incorrectly pronounce their name as “bay-tuh” after the previous letter of the Greek alphabet. (Imagine the phrase “My fish is better than yours”!) They are referred to as “plakat” in Thailand, which is Thai for “biting fish.”
What Makes Betta Fish So Popular Amongst Aquarists?
The betta fish is one of the most well-liked aquarium fishes including in both personal and commercial aquariums, because of the traits listed below.
Bright Colour
Having their aquarium sparks an interest in fish for many people. This is due to the enormous spectrum of colors, shapes, & sizes that fish come in.
Residents frequently refer to it as “the living room aquarium.” Captive aquarists can spend hours admiring these animals via their glass panels or underwater ledges because there is something so captivating about observing their activities both day and night.
Some types have been bred to have scales that sparkle. When male bettas are courting or mating, their bright fins are lovely to see.
Inexpensive to Purchase
Among the most economical fish to purchase is the betta, which is available in many well-known pet stores.
If you are seeking a certain kind of betta, it is advisable to go to a local specialist fish pet store. The most popular betta variety will cost around $2, while more expensive, unusual betta breeds can reach $30. Do not be put off by the $2 price range; even the less expensive bettas are colorful and have luxuriant fins.
Low Maintenance
They are incredibly receptive to people, so you can pick your favorite. They frequently have the appearance of swimming in all directions simultaneously, giving the perception of a highly lively movement.
Bettas can live in any habitat without being frightened away, unlike other little species that are scared off by strong currents and shifts.
While some individuals might find this vivacious activity annoying, others find it amusing and delight in witnessing their bettas interacting with their surroundings.
Easy to Care For
Betta fish are not as difficult to care for as most people believe. They are among the simpler fish to maintain.
They can be housed in a small tank with a heater, filter, and the ideal temperature for them is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, betta fish don’t need much food and consume far fewer calories than other species.
Additionally, they consume an extensive range of meals, such as flakes, pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms, & live food. They are also disease-resistant. These make them a great choice for kids to maintain as pets because of their durability.
Need Small Space
The betta fish is a cute small freshwater creature that doesn’t require a large tank with filters & complicated equipment, unlike many other pet fish.
They only reach a length of 2 inches and bear children to live, edible offspring.
Betta fish don’t require tanks to be kept. They flourish in little water containers with plants, like jars or solo cups, because the plants’ protection is what will keep them safe.
Most Popular Types Of Betta Fish
There are roughly 70 different betta species, each with its unique coloration, attitude, and fin pattern.
The most well-liked varieties of bettas that owners gravitate toward are these:
Dragon Scale
These bettas, appropriately called Dragon scale, do indeed resemble miniature fish dragons.
The vibrant color of a dragon can be noticed on its tail and fins as well as a little bit behind its thick layer of white scales.
Scales of dragons are typically on the skinny side, measuring between 2 and 3 inches. Despite their diminutive size, they help compensate for it with their ferociously combative personalities.
Crowntail
These aggressive and regal bettas appear to have been created to rule their tank. Since their tail resembles a huge crown extending from their little torso, all that is lacking is their royal apparition.
Crown tails are similar to dragon scales in that they are approximately two to three inches long. They can, however, stretch their tails to be three times longer than their bodies!
Although beautiful and flowing, their fins are delicate. Make sure that there aren’t any sharp ornaments in the tank for the crown tails so that their fins remain in good condition.
Halfmoon
The half-circle shape of these ethereal bettas’ tails appears to mimic several moon phases.
Halfmoon has been developed to have full, luscious fins and tails as well as a variety of vibrant colors. Their tail and fins appear to join together to create a half-moon form as they swim.
Black Orchid
The black orchid is one of the more uncommon betta species. Their long, flowing fins and tail have the same shape as the crown tail.
Even though black orchids are truly black, they stand out even more due to their striking crimson or iridescent undertones.
When swimming around their aquarium, certain black orchids even have startling bright blue stripes down their tails.
Black orchids, like its counterpart, have magnificent hues and an outstanding show that make them appear rather regal.
Butterfly
The butterfly is yet another betta that is in high demand. Because it often comes in one solid, vibrant color that flares out into a considerably lighter color or completely translucent one, this breed of betta looks extremely different from the others.
Butterfly bettas are unusual fish, and it’s fascinating to observe their tank’s background while observing their translucent fins.
Veiltail
The most prevalent variety of betta that is readily available at any local pet shop is veiltails.
Veiltails are usually less expensive because they don’t have elaborate or flowing fins, but they are still sparkly and lovely.
First-time pet owners won’t have to worry about their fins & tails getting snagged or pulled apart by decorations. After all, they are even harder because they don’t have such extravagant fins.
Since they are simpler and more resilient than the remainder of their relatives, veiltails are advised for new owners of Bettas.
Some Characteristics of Bettas That Set The Bettas Apart From Other Fishes
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, have several characteristics that set them apart from other fish species. These include:
Bettas Can Breathe Air
No, we’re not tugging your fin; betta fish have a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air exactly as people do.
Bettas can inhale air both in and out of the water thanks to a unique organ that functions quite similarly to our lungs. Smart little fish!
Bettas Bear The Names Of Warriors
That’s correct. According to the name of your pet betta, they were once fierce warriors. The “Bettah,” an ancient warrior clan, is where the word “betta” comes from, but their naming heritage extends further.
They were then dubbed “combat fish” (“Siamese fighting fish”) due to the surge in popularity of fish fighting in Thailand, mostly in the middle of the 1800s; this term has stuck with them ever since.
Another term for these adorable little fish that you may have heard going around? Plakat. This name, which means “biting fish” in Thai, is frequently used to describe a species of betta having short fins.
Bettas Have A Strong Sense Of Place
You may have observed that each betta fish is maintained individually in its container if you’ve ever seen one at your neighborhood pet store. That’s because these little yet formidable fish have strong territorial instincts.
If kept in an aquarium with another fish, male bettas especially can become very aggressive, which frequently results in fighting, harm, and even death. They don’t have the moniker “fighting fish” by accident.
On the other hand, female bettas are less aggressive and can thrive in groups with up to 10 additional female bettas if the aquarium seems to have more than enough room.
But be careful. Females can develop the same possessive and aggressive behaviors as their male equivalents if their aquarium is too big.
Bettas Initial Discovery Took Place In Southeast Asia
A native of Southeast Asia, notably Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia, betta splendens, sometimes known as betta fish, is a little fish.
They typically dwell in Southeast Asian rice fields and other slow-moving water bodies and streams in the wild. These resilient tiny fish are quite well prepared to handle all types of situations, from floods to droughts, thanks to their challenging living conditions.
Betta Fish Males Construct Bubble Nests
The male bettas would make a little bubble nest just on the water’s surface when it’s suitable to breed and produce many more cute, newborn betta fishes.
Then, to protect the eggs until they hatch, he will keep an eye on the nest, make any necessary repairs, and collect any that drift away. Pretty adorable, no? Another surefire indication that you have healthy, content male bettas on your hands is the construction of a bubble nest.
Roughly Seventy Various Species Of Betta Exist
There are simply over 70 recognized species of betta fish, although most people are only aware only with Betta splendens, also known as betta fish, as well as Siamese fighting fish. Betta fish are highly diverse.
In addition, betta fish have at least 14 different tail forms due to decades of selective breeding, including the “veil tail,” which is the most prevalent, as well as the “half-moon,” “crown tail,” “comb tail,” and “double tail.”
Betta Fish Are Available In A Variety Of Hues
The carefully bred betta fish is also available in a variety of stunning hues, including blue, red, yellow, turquoise, and many others. Thanks to layers of iridescent skin pigment, they can also have a variety of color combinations. There is not much fish that are as lovely as bettas!
Is the betta fish exception to the rule against vivid colors? Wild betta fish The dark grey-green color of wild bettas makes it easier for them to blend in with their surroundings.
Jumping Betta Fish
Betta fish are not only great swimmers, but they are also powerful jumpers! Bettas may typically leap up to three inches high if kept in an open aquarium.
It’s important to keep in mind that an aquarium with poor water quality can strain your poor betta to the extent that they try to escape by leaping out of the tank. For reference, bettas do best in an aquarium with at least 3 – 4 gallons of warm, slightly acidic water (pH range: 6.8–7.5), which is changed frequently.
Bettas Are Adept At Tricks
bettas are very intelligent fish that can be taught to perform fun tricks like swimming through hoops, feeding from your hand, or even rising to the surface to be caressed. Imagine performing that comedy act at your upcoming dinner party.
The intelligent bettas can also recognize their owners, even when they are nearby the tank among other people, according to several studies.
Carnivorous Betta Fish
Betta fish must need protein to grow, and in the wild, they will consume everything meaty and insect-like they can get their hands on, including insects, insect larvae, blood worms, shellfish, and more.
In case you’re wondering, yes, betta fish do indeed have fangs. But don’t worry. They won’t likely hurt you since they utilize their tiny gnashers—which are practically invisible to the human eye to defend themselves and eat all those yummy insects.
FAQ
Are Betta Fish Smart?
Yes. They may retain taught behaviors from one day to the following for up to three weeks at a time, which is incredibly uncommon in lower vertebrates.
Can Bettas Defend Their Territory?
Yes, bettas need their separate aquarium because they are aggressive with other fish and quite territorial. It is recommended to keep your betta isolated in its aquarium if you have one.
Is Betta Susceptible To Disease?
Yes, several ailments can affect bettas, including dropsy, columnaris, velvet, anchor worms, clouded eye, and ich. The black spot, being a common issue, is brought on by a parasite.
What Is The Rarest Betta Color?
Betta fish are quite hard to come by, and one of the rarest colors among them is purple.
Conclusion
In summary, betta fish are very well because they are simple to care for, come in a broad range of colors & patterns, are small and can be housed in bowls or small tanks, and exhibit the unusual characteristic of flaring their fins & gills when frightened or in the proximity of other fish.
Bettas are a well-liked choice among fish aficionados, including both novice and seasoned fish keepers, as a result of all these contributing characteristics.