Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta) care guide
Betta splendens · Osphronemidae
Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) is an aquarium animal. It belongs to the Osphronemidae family. It is native to Central Thailand, from Chiang Rai in the north to Surat Thani and Phang Nga at the northern end of the Malay Peninsula; rice paddies, swamps, ditches, ponds and sluggish water, often shaded by plants and low in dissolved oxygen. Records from the Mekong basin (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) refer to other species or introduced populations.. Water temperature: 22°C – 30°C. pH: 6.0 – 8.0. Care difficulty: Moderate.
How do you care for Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta)?
| Temperature | 22°C – 30°C |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Placement | Surface and mid-water; a tank of at least about 45 × 30 cm (~41 litres) for one male or a pair, soft to moderately hard water (1–15 dGH). A well-planted, shady tank with floating plants over the surface, plus driftwood and small clay pots as shelter. Seriously Fish does not support keeping it in tiny tanks or jars. |
| Growth | Small: about 7 cm (2.8 in) standard length. |
| Difficulty | Moderate (needs a properly sized, warm, planted tank; its temperament means it is best kept alone) |
| Family | Osphronemidae |
How do you trim and propagate Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta)?
Preys on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in nature. Captive fish usually accept dried food once they recognise it, but should also get small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia or bloodworm for colour and condition.
What problems affect Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta)?
A male may treat fish with similar body shapes or trailing fins as rivals. Small containers badly reduce its welfare.
How do you fix Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta) problems?
Keep one fish in a larger, densely planted tank; for a shared tank research carefully and choose peaceful species from other levels (some small cyprinids and loaches).
Where does Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta) come from?
Central Thailand, from Chiang Rai in the north to Surat Thani and Phang Nga at the northern end of the Malay Peninsula; rice paddies, swamps, ditches, ponds and sluggish water, often shaded by plants and low in dissolved oxygen. Records from the Mekong basin (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) refer to other species or introduced populations. · Biotope regions: South-east Asia.
What should you know before buying Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta)?
Wild populations are declining through habitat loss, and ornamental forms threaten their genetic integrity. Never release captive fish.
Sources
- Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish) — Seriously Fish
- Betta splendens — FishBase
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-10-29.
See Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta) in a living world
- Betta Nano — aquarium
- Betta Sorority — aquarium
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides