SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH
(Betta splendens)
The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens, /ˈbɛtə/) also
known as betta, is a popular species of freshwater aquarium fish. The name of
the genus is derived from ikan bettah, taken from a local dialect of Malay. The
wild ancestors of this fish are native to the rice paddies of Thailand, Laos,
Cambodia, and Vietnam[and are called pla-kad (lit. biting fish) in Thai or trey
krem in Khmer. They tend to be rather aggressive.
B. splendens usually grows to an overall length of about 7
cm, including fins. Although known for their brilliant colors and large,
flowing fins, the natural coloration of B. splendens is a dull green, browns
and gray, and the fins of wild specimens are relatively short. Brilliantly
colored and longer-finned varieties (i.e. Veiltail, Delta, Superdelta, and
Halfmoon) have been developed through selective breeding.
Properly kept and fed a correct diet, Siamese fighting fish
live about two to four years in captivity, and up to 10 years in rare cases.
The fish is a member of the gourami family (Osphronemidae)
of order Perciformes, but was formerly classified among the Anabantidae. Of the
nearly 50 other members of the Betta genus, B. splendens is one of the most
popular species among aquarium hobbyists.
Betta species also prefer a warmer water climate than other
tropical fish - around 25-30°C (77-86°). They have an organ known as the
labyrinth organ which allows them to breathe air at the water's surface. It is
often wrongly thought that this organ allows the fish to be kept in
unmaintained aquaria.[5] This is a misconception, as poor water quality makes
all tropical fish, including Betta splendens, more susceptible to diseases such
as fin rot
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