Mystical Aquatic Beauties | Siamese Fighting Fish
May 12, 2015
Mystical Aquatic Beauties | Siamese Fighting Fish
Ahh, the alluring betta fish! Yes, its beauty is absolutely mystifying and attracts pet owners time and time again. Often betta fish are seen in pet stores in tiny little tanks or bowls of their own, kept in isolation from other aquatic creatures – including their own species. Why? Well, let us assure you it’s not just to enhance their mysterious appeal. Betta fish are actually properly known as “Siamese Fighter Fish”, because they can be really quite aggressive toward other creatures, even creatures belonging to their own species.
In fact, these fish are so hostile that they’ll actually try attacking themselves if seen in a mirror! We wouldn’t suggest trying this with yours though, as they can end up getting injured and it’s actually quite cruel to torment them like this.
Where do these Aquatic Beauties Originate?
These lovely betttas originate in the basin of the Mekong river, a river winding through Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand - the worlds twelfth longest river. So, actually these stunning Siamese Fighter Fish are of multi-national origin and are only called “Siamese” because Thailand was previously named Siam and the fish were predominantly associated with Siam.
Fun Fact: It seems that these fish can survive elsewhere as a population of them have recently been discovered in Australia in the Adelaide River; although, they’re considered an invasive species in that river and are messing up the ecosystem.
These fish were first domesticated as exactly what their name indicates – fighting fish. They were originally bred to spar with each other in competitions where gambling ventures were involved. Fortunately, these fights weren’t as gruesome as they sound, the competition was considered over when one of the fish retreated leaving the other as the winner. However, it is still a cruel practice and thankfully has phased out of popularity! Now, many people like to have these fish as pets simply because of their calming aesthetic appeal.
Having a Betta Fish as a Pet
Although many people obtain these fighter fish for their pretty addition to room décor, this is of course a very silly and irresponsible reason for anyone to get a pet and we wouldn’t recommend getting one unless you can give it a happy and healthy environment to live in.
Picking the Right Fish:
A good rule of thumb when shopping for your pet is to make sure their colors are vibrant and that they’re spritely and lively, if their colors are dull or their not very mobile they might not be too healthy.
Fun Fact: Betta fish can live 7-9 years in captivity!
That being said, these fish are pretty industrious little fellows and if you match the following care guidelines, you should become a very happy and successful betta pet owner!
Tank:
- The minimum size tank is 2.5 gallons and 5 gallons is ideal. Many people keep them in little bowls – don’t do this, it’s cruel and they won’t live as long.
Water/Habitat:
- Use a water conditioner to ensure the water isn’t too “hard” for your fish and that chlorine and other harmful substances are removed.
- Poor water quality and sharp tank decorations can cause tears in betta fins, so make sure the water is clean and healthy and that there are not jagged rocks or plants in the tank.
- Ensure you have a water heater and filter.
- Water temperature of 23-27 degrees Celsius
Diet: Get fish pellets that are specifically for betta fish and feed them shrimp brine or blood worms for an extra treat!
Tip: Male fighting fish cannot go together, but females can.
But, in general these fish prefer to be alone.
We wish you all the best and more with your new pet betta fish!
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Author: Aileen Schultz