16 Betta Fish Facts You’ll Love To Share

Aquariums can captivate any household guest, offering a glimpse into an enchanting underwater world. There are hundreds of fish species that can be kept in an aquarium, including guppies, goldfish, and neon tetras. However, the Siamese fighting fish (or betta) is one of the most beautiful and interesting fish species because of its vibrant colors and fascinating behaviors. But there’s a reason why this fish has ‘fighting fish’ in its name.

The Labyrinth Organ

The Siamese fighting fish is a species with a rare ability to breathe actual air. They have a special organ called the labyrinth, which allows them to take in oxygen directly from the air. 

Low Oxygen Survival

This organ helps them survive in low-oxygen environments, such as shallow waters and rice paddies, where they are often found in the wild. These environments aren’t ideal for the betta fish, but they won’t have any issues living there for a prolonged period of time. 

Selective Breeding

Siamese fighting fish are very colorful and have long, wavy fins that make watching them swim an enjoyable sight. This is because breeders have selectively bred them for their beauty over centuries, creating a variety of stunning appearances.

Vast Coloration

Originally, these fish were more dull and camouflaged in the wild. Now, you can find them in vivid shades of red, blue, green, and more, making them one of the most visually appealing aquarium fish.

Male Aggression

Siamese fighting fish are generally very aggressive toward other fish, especially in enclosed environments such as aquariums. In the wild, males are extremely territorial and will fight other males to defend their space. This behavior is so prominent that they were historically bred for fish-fighting competitions.

With a Hint of Friendliness

Although their aggression is well-known, they can be friendly and interactive pets when kept alone in a tank, making them a favorite among fish enthusiasts. You can also expand their social circle with non-aggressive species such as snails, catfish, danios, tetras, corydoras, angelfish, and certain guppy species.

Female Sororities

Female bettas also have aggressive tendencies, though not as pronounced as their male counterparts. In a tank, females can coexist in groups known as sororities, but careful observation is necessary to prevent serious conflicts.

Friendship Circle

Siamese fighting fish can display just as much personality and charm as pets like rats, dogs, or cats, making them equally captivating pets in a more communal setting.

Bubble Nests

Betta fish have an intriguing nest-building behavior. Males create bubble nests at the water’s surface using their mouths. These nests are where they place fertilized eggs until they hatch.

For Egg Protection

This breeding practice ensures that the eggs remain safe and oxygenated. Males also patrol the area, warding off any potential predators from approaching the eggs.

Ability to Recognize Their Owners

Betta fish can recognize their owners and even display excitement when they approach. Over time, they learn to associate their caretaker with feeding and will swim to the edge of the tank to greet them.

Excellent Memory

This behavior showcases their intelligence and ability to form simple bonds. Their memory is also very good, with most estimates showing that they can remember things for up to 5 months, even if they haven’t, for example, seen their owners for weeks. 

Long Lifespan

The lifespan of Siamese fighting fish can vary based on care, but with proper maintenance, they often live up to three years. This is similar to their lifespans in the wild (2-5 years on average).

Potential for Even Longer Life

Providing a suitable environment with clean water, a balanced diet, and avoiding stressors can help prolong their lives to 5-7 years. They are low-maintenance but still require attention to their living conditions to ensure a healthy, vibrant life.

Meat Diet

Siamese fighting fish are natural carnivores. In the wild, they feed on a variety of small creatures like insect larvae, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. When keeping them as pets, providing a diet rich in protein is necessary to keep them healthy. 

Pellets Instead of Meat

High-quality betta pellets, along with occasional treats of frozen or live foods, can ensure they receive all the nutrients they need for vibrant colors and good health.

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