Local Bred
Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens)
Native Location: Thailand
Climate: Tropical
Size: 6 – 8cm (2.4 – 3.1 inches)
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Easy-Moderate
Temperature Range: 22 – 30 (72 – 86)
Preferred pH Range: 6 – 8
Minimum Aquarium Size: 38L (10 gallons)
Potential Tankmates: Cory Catfish, Kuhli loaches
Care Level: Intermediate-Advanced
You know them, you love them, but these beautiful, enticing fish are not for the faint of heart. Bettas, discovered in the still waters of canals, rice paddies and flood plains. Their main concentration in Thailand’s Chao Phraya river basin. Their common name has its origins from organised fights between males. A betting practice enough people took up to call Bettas a fighting fish. Breeding in some locations occurred to make them more aggressive for these purposes.
They are so well known for the males’ brilliant colourings and long flowing fins. Females are also beautiful, but their colours are dim in comparison and fins shorter. Selective breeding has also played a part in their colourings. In nature, they are not so brightly coloured. Captive breeding programs have produced a wide variety of pigmentation; white, brown, black, and all kinds of mixed and matched yellow, blue, and red hues. Breeding programs have also affected their fins. Both sexes have similar torpedo-shaped bodies and upturned mouths. Unlike many other species of fish, males will grow to be larger than females. They also have a unique feature. A way of bringing in air from the atmosphere, through the presence of a labyrinth organ. Allowing them to survive in low oxygen bodies of water.
They use their upturned mouths almost exclusively for snatching any insects or their larvae that fall into their watery domain. They are carnivorous, so live foods are the best diet for a Betta. If necessary, they will adapt to eating flake and frozen foods. Feed them an amount they can consume in three to five minutes. Small, peaceful tankmates are good options. Avoid fin-nipping fish as Bettas fins are too good to ignore. Do not keep male Bettas together. You can keep one male with other Betta females, or you may have a small group of females occupying one tank. But, males will see each other as a threat. Even then, aggression can become an issue with any community tankmates. You may need to consider maintaining a separate tank only for your Betta.
Although bettas can survive in a 20L (5 gallon) body of water, you should consider a tank of at least 38L (10 gallons). This decreases the amount of toxin build-up they will experience between water changes. Bettas are tropical fish and need a warm tank Although these are solitary fish, a small home can lead to loneliness, stress and under-stimulation. Avoid overcrowding the aquarium with fish or decorations. They love to swim and explore the tank, so avoid sharp decorations as they can tear a Bettas delicate fins. Anything added to their tank will make them curious. Soft-edged caves might be a good addition. Plants can be stimulating, and they will not nibble on them for food.
Bettas have a short life span compared to other fish. Most breeders have success in the first year. Use a tank smaller than 38L (10 gallons) for breeding. An interested male will flare its gills at a female while spreading their fins and twisting their bodies in a dance-like performance. Interested females will return the gesture. By darkening their colours and developing vertical line “breeding bars”. Watch males build a bubble nest on the surface of the water. Males will do this, even without a female present. If there is a female, she will need places to hide. Males can proceed with an aggressive courtship. It is not surprising for a female to lose a few scales or have their fins frayed during this time. Once eggs fertilisation has occurred, the female will expel them, and they will begin to sink. Males will scoop the eggs up and spit them in the bubble nest above. The male will tend to the young and may even become aggressive towards the female, so you will need to remove her. The male will watch for any eggs falling out of the nest and scoop them back up if it happens. In a day or two, the eggs should hatch. After the fry finish feeding off their yolk sacs 36 hours later, you will need to remove the male. He will likely try to eat the young once they start swimming. Feed the fry a few daily meals of baby brine shrimp or fine fish baby food. Be careful not to overfeed.
All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, they are treated for any possible diseases and given a complete health check to make sure they are health, happy and eating well before being placed in our display aquariums, ready for sale.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish.
Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document via a dated photo, water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels). Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or “disasters” i.e. a heater overheating. We recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium to prevent such situations.
Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please get in touch with us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fish keeping!
