Betta Splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Range: Thailand, Malaya, Cochin China.
Habitat: rice paddies, ditches, swamps in the wild. Prefers densely planted tanks about
74 degrees F, but can tolerate temperatures between 70 and 84 degrees F. Uses a
labyrinth organ to breathe air, so can be kept in small containers.
Care: very easy, great first pet. Feed 3 pellets per day. Feed live food once per week or
more. Clean bowl once per week or as needed. Fill bowl with decholrinated water.
Size: 2 to 2 1/2 inches.
Food: Hikari Betta Bio-Gold is best. Live foods include bloodworms ($.60 for a quarter
ounce) frozen brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, beef heart, etc.
Tank mates: never put two males together. Best kept by themselves. Can be put with
snails in a bowl. In a large, densely planted aquarium can be kept with peaceful, non
fin-nippers of the same size that do not have large fancy tails (platys, frogs, Cory
cats, kuhli loaches, algae eaters, etc.)
Life span: the average life span is 2 1/2 years, but the maximum known life span is 9
Sickness: watch carefully for signs of illness (changes in behavior or color, clamped fins,
fraying or decay of fins, white or yellow dots on fins). It is very important to
medicate as soon as possible at the first sign of illness. If you call us at
(805)684-1731 and describe the symptoms, we can suggest a course of action for
treatment. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments.
