SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH
Information
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Betta Splendens
Family: Belontiidae
Adult Size: 3 inches (7 cm)
Social: Males cannot be kept together
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Tank Level: Top dweller
Diet: Omnivore
- Live foods preferable, will eat flakes and
frozen foods.
Breeding: Egglayer - Bubblenest
Care: Easy to Intermediate
Geographical
origin: Southeast Asia
Habitat: Shallow, overgrown waters; irrigation channels; and
flooded rice fields that warm up to 86°F (30°C)
Distinguishing feature: Siamese Fighting fish are a member of the
Labyrinth fish family. Labyrinth fishes have an auxiliary breathing
organ, the so-called labyrinth, which they can use to absorb air.
Labyrinth fishes that are prevented from taking air will drown.
Characteristics: Because of their ability to breath air Labyrinth fish
can survive in polluted water with very little oxygen. The male of
the species build bubble nest among plant leaves. The fish takes up
air in its mouth , coats it with saliva, and spits the bubbles, which stick
together on the surface of the water.
Aquarium care: The males do not get along well with each other they will even
bite the females to death if they are not yet ready
to spawn or are past spawning. You can only keep more than one male in a very
large aquarium. They have to have enough
space to form territories. The aquarium should be densely planted and well lighted.
Floating plants will facilitate nest building.
Water: Soft to medium hard.
Temperature: 23°-27°C; 30°C for breeding. 75-86 F, the higher for breeding.
pH: 6.8 - 7.4
Hardness: 6-8 dGH
Temperature:
(24-30 C)
Food: Dry and live foods of all sorts.