Your guide to the Siamese fighter fish – Betta Splendons

Siamese fighter fish are the most kept yet most misunderstood fish. These fish are often sold in tiny plastic bags with unclean water and are displayed in dingy cups that do not allow them to move. Many hobbyists often debate about the care needed by this fish as they live in muddy puddles in Thailand. Not many people realize that these small puddles are ecosystems in themselves and Siamese fighter fish jump from one puddle to another when they require a change which they cannot do in an aquarium. The beneficial bacteria in the muddy puddles reduces the amount of toxins created by fish poop while evaporation and rain water act like water changes and keep the water clean. One must also remember that the fighter fish seen in shops are descendents of the wild betas and are not as hardy as the wild type. These betas are meant for showing purposes and are meant for aquariums with clean water.

Housing a betta - A single betta needs a tank with 1 gallon water but will do better in a tank with 2 gallons – 5 gallons water. Although betas are small in size they are like the Oscar when it comes to personality and no 2 bettas have the same personality. It is important to keep the personality of the fighter fish in mind while choosing a tank size as some males and females are very active and require bigger tanks while other males and females do not move much and may do fine in a 1 gallon tank. Although many people keep males and females together, this is not recommended as the male betas may harass the females and may also injure them and tear their fins. If you decide to go ahead with this setup then add a maximum of 1 male with 5 – 8 females to ensure that the aggression is equally spread and the male does not have the opportunity to beat up a particular female. A community setup with 1 male and 5-8 females should contain 8-10 gallons water and nothing lesser than that. Plants may help in providing hiding places for the females and can lessen the amount of damage caused.

Water changes and decorations - Water changes are absolutely necessary for a healthy fish even if it is as small as a betta or as big as an Oscar. Unlike most fish bettsa can tolerate 100% water changes but do best in cycled tanks. If the betta is housed in a 1 – 3 gallon tank then adding a real plant and doing partial water changes every week can keep the water cycled and healthy for the betta. Bettas kept in 5 gallon tanks or larger tanks require larger water changes if there are no plants in the tank and 25% - 30% water changes every week are an absolute must. Plants not only add to the aesthetic value of the tank but also provide a resting spot for betas. If you do not like real plants then silk plants are a convenient option and can provide as a resting spot and add to the aesthetical value of a tank. Avoid using plastic plants as they can tear the delicate fins of the betta. While using gravel remember to use smooth gravel that does not hurt the betta’s fins or mouth.

Aeration and filters - Since betas are labrinathing fish they do not require air pumps in the tank and they use their labrinathing organ to breathe air from the surface of the water. While using filters remember that betas cannot swim against strong currents and may hurt themselves and may tear their fins, hence it is important to adjust the water flow accordingly. Remember that filters only absorb the poop in the tank and do not eradicate it, hence weekly water changes and regular filter cleaning are still required.

Betta types – There are various types of betas sold in the market but the veil tail often referred to as ordinary or the “mutt” is the most common type found in most local fish shops. Other types include the crown tail, comb tail, halfmoon, delta and super delta, and spade tail. Crown tail betas have extended rays that form a gorgeous tail when flared. Comb tails are a combination of the veil and tail and comb tail and are a result of breeding a crown tail with a veil tail. The tail of a comb tail resembles the edges of a comb hence they are known as comb tails. Halfmoons are the most popular and expensive variety found in local fish shops and the tail of a pure halfmoon forms a 180 degree shape when flared. The tails of a super delta is lesser than that of a halfmoon where as the tail of a delta is lesser than that of a delta. The tail of the double tail extends into 2 separate tail and even sized tails that are spilt in the middle are considered better than uneven tails. The tail of a spade tail is pointed at the end and should be symmetrical.

There is absolutely no doubt that betas are fish full of personality and can actually greet their owners by doing a little dance when the owners are near their tanks. The betta is a little fish with a big personality and is perfect for people who want to keep small to medium sized tanks.