Fun Facts
Betta splendens are also known as the Siamese fighting fish.
Betta fish do not appear in the wild as we see them at the pet store. The flashy colors and fins are adaptations as the wild varieties are a dull grey with short fins.
A betta fish can survive on the water and oxygen supply in wet mud for a period of time due to their labyrinth organ only requiring low oxygen levels. This meaning, betta fish can BREATHE AIR.
Betta fish are one of the few fish to take parental behaviors towards offspring as the male makes and protects the bubble nest.
With the previous fact being said, once the fry begin to hatch, if not forced away, the male will then eat the offspring he just spent so much time protecting.
Fish fight clubs existed in the 1800’s where it was seen as a sport. Betta fish were strategically bred and that is what has brought us to the bright, aggressive fish we have today.
Betta fish can be trained to jump through loops and other obstacles.
There are 65 species of Betta.
To see a gallery of the pictures click here.