Betta

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Betta | image = Betta_splendens.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta splendens | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Actinopterygii | ordo = Perciformes | familia = Osphronemidae | genus = Betta | subdivision_ranks = Species | hthgfhgfhdfgdBetta persephone
Betta pi
Betta picta
Betta pinguis
Betta prima
Betta pugnax
Betta pulchra
Betta renata
Betta rubra
Betta rutilans
Betta schalleri
Betta simorum
Betta simplex
Betta smaragdina
Betta spilotogena
Betta splendens
Betta strohi
Betta taeniata
Betta tomi
Betta tussyae
Betta unimaculatus
Betta waseri
}}

Betta is a genus of small, often colourful tropical fish in the gourami family (Osphronemidae). Its members are commonly known as fighting fishes. Over 50 species are currently recognised in the genus, but the genus name is commonly used to refer to just one of them, the Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta splendens, known as pla-kad in their native Thailand.

1 Physical description
2 In the aquarium
3 Common Health Issues
- 3.1 Fin Rot
- 3.2 Ich
4 External links

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Physical description

Bettas are called "labyrinth fish" (a name also given to anabantids) because they have a labyrinth organ in their heads that allows them to take air directly from the atmosphere rather than via their gills. This means that they can survive in smaller spaces and in poorer conditions (i.e., stagnant water) relative to other aquarium fish. However, this has led to the common misconception that they are happier in these spaces. While they may survive in puddles, they are otherwise like any other fish, in that they prefer (and thrive in) large spaces with clean, well-oxygenated water.

Bettas flare their gill covers, called the opercula, in response to certain situations. Flaring is the act of "puffing-out" the fins and gill covers as to appear more impressive, either to intimidate other fish (especially rival males) or as an act of courtship.

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In the aquarium

It is commonly known that males can not be in the same space together—they will fight to the death. Less commonly known, however, is that females can cohabitate. They are not schooling fish, and are still rather aggressive, but with enough room and many hiding spaces, they can learn to get along. There should never be exactly two female bettas in a tank together—a pecking order, a hierarchy, is necessary for them to live peacefully. With only two fish, one will be the bully and the other will be picked on. However, with three or more, a hierarchy is established.

A tank should contain at least two gallons per betta fish. This holds true for both females and males who are being housed individually as well as females who are being housed together. This means that the smallest tank that can become a female community tank is ten gallons, which can hold four or five females.

Certain fish should not be housed with bettas. Oftentimes, schooling fish become fin-nippers, making the betta a prime target because of their flowing fins. Also, aggressive fish like barbs should not be around bettas. Fancy guppies also pose a risk; oftentimes, the betta will mistake their finnage for that of another male fish and attack the guppy. Keepers have also reported problems when attempting to keep Betta in the company of piranha.

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