All fish / Osphronemidae

Siamese fighting fish

Betta splendens

Also known as betta, fighter, halfmoon, plakat, crowntail, 斗鱼, 泰国斗鱼, 暹罗斗鱼, ikan laga, ikan pelaga, ปลากัด

A labyrinth fish that gulps air at the surface. Show forms (halfmoon, crowntail, plakat, double tail) are bred for long fins in almost every colour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

6.5 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

20 litres

Keep as

Keep one male per tank

Diet

Carnivore: betta pellets, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Breeding

Bubble-nest builder. Condition a pair, introduce the female through a divider, then remove her after spawning; the male guards eggs and fry for about 3 days until free-swimming.

Good to know

Long-finned males are slow and get fin-nipped by barbs and some tetras. Needs a lid and a gentle filter.