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Welcome to the UK website about Betta Fish (Betta splendens).
Bettas, or Siamese fighting fish, are common aquarium fish and popular with specialist breeders and hobby keepers alike. Originating from the rice paddies of Thailand (previously Siam, hence ‘Siamese fighter’) the name of the genus has been derived from the term ‘ikan bettah‘ of local Malay dialect.
The wild ancestors are surprisingly dull but professional breeders and other keepers have bred progressively more beatiful fish. Incidently, it’s the males that have the beautiful flowing fins and amazing colours. Easily cared for, they only require a very simple aquarium setup.
Betta fish don’t breathe in the same way as other fish do, they come to the surface regularly to breath- this is because they live in low-oxygen still waters in the wild. Bettas have evolved a special organ to breathe atmospheric oxygen, namely, the labyrinth organ.
The lifespan of a Betta Fish largely depends on it’s environment. Well cared for, happy fish, will live longer. The average lifespan is 2-4 years.
Keeping Bettas is really easy, the only problem is that I now have 3 pairs and it’s becoming a bit of an obsession! I really love the huge variation of colours that this one species has.
So, if you’re interested in keeping Bettas or trying to find out more about this wonderful species, have a look around BettaFish.co.uk!