The Betta Page at ptank.com

A site for information about and appreciation of Betta Splendens, the Siamese fighing fish.

Fishy is my pet betta. He has a reddish-purple color. Although bettas like Fishy are a common variety, breeders have developed bettas in a wide array of colors. Visit the links tab for sites with images of bettas.

Bettas, or Siamese Fighting Fish, are small colorful fish native to rice paddies and other shallow waters of Thailand (hence the name "Siamese"). They can also be found in shallow waters of other southeast Asian counties, such as Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as a tiny fish bowls in pet stores.

Although bettas are popular among hobbyists and breeders because of their striking colors and fins, the domestic betta usually leads a lonely existence. The colorful male bettas will inevitably fight and try to kill one another when placed in close proximity.

An interesting feature of bettas is their ability to breath surface air using an organ called a labyrinth. Other labyrinth fish include Gouramies, which are also popular as aquarium fish.

Probably the most important task in keeping fish (aside from remember to feed them) is maintaining the water quality. Even in tanks with filters, the water should be changed regularly to avoid the build-up of waste products. Maintaing oxygen in the water is less important for bettas, since they breathe surface air.

Bettas also prefer warmer water, between 75 and 85 degrees Farenheit (or between 24 and 29 degrees C). I often find that Fishy is not particularly happy right after the water is changed, probably because the water starts out too cold. Of course it is difficult to heat the small bowls in which bettas are usually kept.

Bettas can in fact be kept in larger aquariums with other fish, provided that there is only one Betta male or enough space and hiding places for them to completely avoid one another. They should also not be kept with other "aggressive" fish (where aggressive includes anything from nipping of fins to all-out assault).

Bettas prefer to eat live foods, such as insects, larvae and unlucky smaller aquarium fish. However, they will also eat dried foods such as brine shrimp and blood worms. I actually feed Fishy Betta Bites, which he devours with great enthusiasm.

The Betta: An Owners Guide to a Happy, Healthy Fish

Bettas

Complete Introduction to Bettas

Siamese Fighting Fish

Dual Betta Hex with Gravel and Plant from Lee's It's safe and easy to house mulitple Bettas with the Lee's Dual Betta Hex Keeps bettas separated for their safety while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of more than one	Top Fin Betta Bowl Cove Kit Complete kit to create a stunning environment for your beautiful Betta All you need to add is the water and fish! Sold only at PETsMART	HBH Betta Bites An extremely popular betta food that helps trigger an immediate feeding response
Kordon NovAqua Forms a protective coating to reduce fish stress and neutralize toxins	Fish Nets Choose from several sizes of this indispensable aquatic accessory!

All about the Siamese Fighting Fish: Detailed information about habitat, feeding, and breeding
The International Betta Congress: An international organization dedicated to the development of Bettas
Labyrinth fishes: Links to other websites about labyrinth fishes, including bettas
Betta Talk: A comprehensive portal site with information, links, fan clubs, polls, and a radio talk show.
Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Spendens): Contains information about bettas and their care, and features a large cartoon-like picture
Bright Terra Betta Spendens: A breeder and enthusiast shares a collection of photos and her experience.
Terri's Betta Page: An offering from the maintainer of the Betta Web Ring.
Betta Pictures: A nice collection of images
Open Directory: Siamese Fighting Fish: A collection of well-maintained Betta links in the Open Directory
Mdbetta: A breeder of Betta Splendens in Henderson, NV.

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