The Betta Fish (Betta splendens), also known as the "Siamese Fighting Fish", is a species native to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
In the aquarium trade they have been selectively bred for their long flowing fins and vast array of different colour morphs; from platinum white, to metallic green, and even purple.
Wild specimens of Betta are much less colourful and have shorter fins.
Crown Tail specimens display fins that have flowing "spikes", taking their name from depictions of royal crowns.
Plakat Bettas are also known as Short Fin Bettas. They have fins that are shorter and less flowing, often in a "D" shape.
We have photographed and priced our Male Bettas individually so what you see is what you get when choosing per Letter (A - J).
Habitat
In the wild, these fish live in rice paddies, floodplains and slow flowing shallow waters.
Bettas are not strong swimmers, so please ensure the water flow of your aquarium isn't too strong.
These fish also have an organ called a "Labyrinth" that allow them to breathe air, so a small gap between the water's surface and the lid of the aquarium is essential.
A comfortable temperature for these fish is between 24°C - 30°C.
Size
Our specimens currently measure approx. 2" / 3.8cm
This species' maximum size typically reaches approx. 2.5" / 6.5cm
Aquarium
Please do not be fooled by the multitude of online videos that claim Bettas can be kept in a small unfiltered bowl. THEY CAN NOT and SHOULD NOT be housed in such conditions. They require a tank of 5 gallons / Approx. 20 Litres at the very minimum.
Include a substrate of soft sand as these fish like to rest on the bottom of the tank. They also appreciate lots of live plants. If you use artificial plants, ensure they are made of a soft material such as silk to avoid damaging these fish's delicate fins.
The tank should be well established to avoid any surprise changes in water parameters that may upset or be otherwise detrimental to the fish.
pH levels should fall between the 6 - 7.5 range.
Behaviour
Male Bettas should never be housed together, as they will fight the very second they encounter each other. This often leads to the death of the loser, and undue stress all around. Please ensure you only have a single Male of this species per tank.
Other fish of similar size, and with flowing fins, may also trigger aggression in these fish. Be sure to choose tank mates that will not upset your Betta.
Aside from the above scenarios, Betta fish are generally peaceful and can be kept in community aquariums with similar sized fish. Take care not to house with fish that are "fin nippers" as your Betta will most likely become a target. This is less of an issue for Plakat Bettas due to their shorter fins.
These fish tend to "lie down" on either the substrate, plants, or ornaments. Be sure to provide somewhere for your Betta to relax. You can even purchase specialist Betta hammocks!
Feed with meaty frozen food such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, or mosquito larvae. They will also eat flake, and specialist Betta flake food is available.
This is a freshwater species - Do not put them in a marine / saltwater aquarium.
