Betta Splendens Distribution and habitat

 

Betta splendens is a native of Southeast Asia, including the northern Malay Peninsula, central and eastern Thailand, Kampuchea (Cambodia), and southern Vietnam, according to Witte and Schmidt (1992). The species is confined to Thailand, from the Mae Khlong to Chao Phraya basins, the eastern side of the Cardamom highlands (Cambodia), and from the Isthmus of Kra, according to Vidthayanon (2013), a Thai ichthyologist and senior researcher of biodiversity at WWF Thailand. Betta splendens is a native of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, according to a report by Froese and Pauly (2019). Due to human introduction, they are now widespread throughout the neighbouring Malay Peninsula and in nearby areas of Sumatra.

Betta splendens often lives in marshes, floodplains, and paddy fields, which are shallow bodies of water with plenty of vegetation. Bettas were initially discovered and then domesticated by humans because of the historical prominence of rice farming throughout Southeast Asia, which offered a suitable environment for them. This environment likely led to the evolution of the lung-like labyrinth organ, which allows Siamese fighting fish like all members of the suborder Anabantoidei to breathe directly from the air. Because bettas can survive and even thrive in more challenging circumstances than other freshwater fish, they have fewer natural predators and rivals.

The abrupt and dramatic variations in water availability, chemistry, and temperature that characterise the tropical environment of the betta's native habitat. While air temperatures can fluctuate between 15 °C (59 °F) and 40 °C (100 °F), the pH of water can range from mildly acidic (pH 6.9) to strongly alkaline (pH 8.2). The capacity of Siamese fighting fish to effectively colonise bodies of water across the world is due to their exceptional adaptability and durability, which allows them to survive in a range of poisonous or harsh settings.

The aquatic vegetation and surface foliage, such as water lilies and fallen leaves, are what wild bettas love to reside in. Assertive males cohabit by claiming dense patches of vegetation as their domain, and the quantity of plants offers protection from predators and a barrier between them. As well as providing shelter to fry at their earliest and most vulnerable phases, such vegetation also provides protection to females during spawning.

Photo by:Shuxuan Cao from Pexels

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Siamese Fighting Fish - Betta Splendens

 

The betta, sometimes referred to as the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), is a freshwater fish that is indigenous to Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Due to their widespread appeal as pets and their comparatively low maintenance requirements, Betta splendens are among the most widely kept aquarium fish in the world. There are 73 species in the genus Betta, but only one is given the name "betta."

The longest of any fish, Siamese fighting fish are unique to the central plains of Thailand, where they were domesticated for the first time at least 1,000 years ago. They were originally bred for ferocity and used in cockfight-style gambling contests. Theodore Cantor, a Danish doctor, biologist, and botanist, is reported to have received several Bettas from King Rama III (1788–1851), who is credited with introducing them to the rest of the world. When they initially arrived in the West in the late 19th century, ornamental fish quickly gained popularity. The term "designer fish of the aquatic world" has been used for them because of their extensive history of selective breeding, which has resulted in a vast variation of colouring and finnage.

Siamese Fighting Fish

Male betta fish are notoriously aggressive and very territorial, and if they are kept in the same tank without a method of escape, they may fight each other and kill one or both fish. In small areas, female bettas might develop territorial behaviour against one another. Due to their unique labyrinth organ, which is a feature specific to the suborder Anabantoidei and allows for the entry of surface air, bettas are highly tolerant to low oxygen levels and poor water quality.

The Siamese fighting fish is not only well-known across the globe, but it is also Thailand's national aquatic animal. Thailand continues to be the principal producer and supplier of betta fish for the international aquarium industry. The IUCN has classed B. splendens as "vulnerable" because of rising pollution and habitat degradation, despite the fact that they are often used as pets.

Image by endri yana yana from Pixabay Image by Seno Aji from Pixabay

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Female Betta

Female betta fish have shorter fins compare with male, and with less vibrant bright colors. But at this moment with many genetic created, some female betta fish can display as much colorful than male.  

Normally when females betta breeding she will display horizontal stripes or a vertical lines across their body when they flare with male betta. Mean they are ready for egg laying.  

Female betta fish are raised in large tanks along with other females. So female Bettas are unaffectedly used to a type of community living and are much more resistant of having other female bettas in the tank.   

   

Keep in mind that this is normal behavior of female bettas compare with male a bit aggressive. Keeping male and female together in the community tank is not a good idea but can work sometimes. As long they were been feed well with many other fishes around them sometimes the betta male won’t aggressive and if the male came from the same group when they grow up together.  

Female seen to be very easy to sexing them. When you will notice a egg sticking at the bottom of the abdomen side. Male is opposite. Sometimes some female with colorful look and with a bigger body but as long they have the white dot sticking at bottom it is a female betta.

Sexing the female betta

Spoting the female betta.   

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Siamese Fighting Fish - Betta splendens

Betta Fish

Species name: Betta splendens

Synonym: None

Common Names: Siamese fighting fish

Family: Osphronemidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Max. size: 6.5 cm / 2.5 inches

Environment: Freshwater

Origin: Asia. Mekong basin.

Temperament: Relatively non aggressive except towards other males.

Company: Peaceful fishes.

Water parameters: pH 6.0-8.0, temperature 24- 30°C / 75 - 86° F 

Aquarium setup: Betta splendens (Siamese fighting fish) are best kept in a warm well planted aquariums with floating plants. Only keep one male in an aquarium unless it’s very big since they will fight to the death. Create hiding places for the females. It’s recommended keeping more females then males. Do not keep with fin nippers. Current should be kept to a minimum in the aquarium.

Feeding: Accepts most small foods including flakes.

Breeding: Betta splendens (Siamese fighting fish) are easily breed. The males build a nest of small bubbles. Low water levels simulate breeding. The breeding aquarium should be heavily planted with floating plants which can serve as substrate for the bubble nest. Remove the female once she laid he eggs or if she gets to badly beaten. The male will guard the eggs until the fry are free swimming. At this point the male should be removed.

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