The Betta Splendens Fish - A Popular Aquatic Pet

The Siamese fighting fish, also known as the betta fish or the betta splendens, is probably the most popular species of freshwater fish that you would normally want to buy and place in your aquarium. Their brightly colored fins and scales that come in a variety of hues can be very attractive as they swim around in an aquarium. Siamese fighting fish or betta splendens actually originated from Thailand, from the basin of the Mekong River somewhere in the Southeast Asia to be exact before if found its way to the waters all over the world and ended in the fish tank in your living room or bedroom.

All the way from the rivers of Thailand, Siamese fighting fish swam their way to the world and made a name as one of the most popular aquarium fish because of its beautiful, long flowing fins and brilliant combination of colors. Hues can range from white to blue to red. Male betta splendens are more popular, as the female Siamese fighting fish are not that brightly colored, having shorter fins and less variety of hues. They may be not as beautiful, but female Siamese fighting fish are still very important for breeding purposes.

Now, if you want to take care of the most popular, colorful fish species, you must be prepared for the responsibilities of providing them with proper habitat and care. There has been a long controversy and debate issues as whether it is better for Siamese fighting fish to be kept and raised in small fish bowls. Now, for you to be fully prepared and aware on where to play your fighting fish, it is important to be familiar about their natural habitat.

Thriving in Southeast Asian waters, originating in Thailand with a number of species in Malaysia, Vietnam, and other parts of China, betta splendens proliferate in slow moving streams and shallow ponds. This should give you an idea on what kind of set-up that would best house Siamese fighting fish. Another key point is the water temperature. Since they are used to warm waters in the Tropical regions of Southeast Asia, the home of bettas in your home should also be quite warm. Betta splendens thrive on heat, so an aquarium heater is an important accessory. Water temperature should not drop below 74 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise these colorful fighting fish of yours will gradually loose energy, be listless, and eventually stop swimming (then you will find yourself flushing them down to toilet - what a shame!)

When it comes to food and diet, betta splendens enjoy a feast exclusively made of insect larvae and small insects. With the contour of their nature-given eating machine, their upturned mouth is best for grasping hapless insect that might accidentally fall into the water. Also, their digestive system is practically designed to eat meat (they are not vegans), which explains the diet of insects and larvae. If you are to adopt a Siamese fighting fish, be ready to stock flake foods, and freeze fried fish food.

Andrew Fuller writes for e-Aquarium.com.au [http://www.e-aquarium.com.au] on topics such as The Siamese Fighting Fish [http://www.e-aquarium.com.au/siamese_fighting_fish.htm].