Siamese fighting fish: Tips on keeping and food
The Siamese Fighting Fish, also known as Betta fish, is very popular due to its attractive appearance. Despite its name and the fact that male Siamese Fighting Fish can engage in fierce fights, they are a relatively easy-to-keep species that can coexist peacefully with smaller catfish.
In the following, we will explain what you need to consider when caring for Siamese Fighting Fish and what food they prefer.
Siamese Fighting Fish Profile
- Scientific Name: Betta splendens
- Origin: Cambodia and Thailand
- Size: Up to 7 cm (2.8 inches)
- Lifespan: Approximately 3 years
- Minimum Aquarium Size: 54 liters (14 gallons)
- Recommended Water Temperature: 24 - 30 °C (75 - 86 °F)
- Diet: Carnivorous
Appearance of Siamese Fighting Fish
Siamese Fighting Fish typically reach a length of 5 to 7 centimeters (2 - 2.8 inches). Wild specimens usually have a reddish-brown color and shiny green scales. Female fish are usually yellowish-brown in color.
However, selectively bred Siamese Fighting Fish are available in numerous different color combinations. There are white, black, blue, and red varieties, and they can have different fin shapes compared to their wild counterparts.
Siamese Fighting Fish belong to the suborder of labyrinth fish. This means they can breathe air not only through their gills but also by using the labyrinth organ, allowing them to extract oxygen from the air.
To do this, they come to the water surface and use their upturned mouth to gulp air. This adaptation enables Siamese Fighting Fish to survive in warm waters with low oxygen levels.
Lifespan of Siamese Fighting Fish
Siamese Fighting Fish have a lifespan of approximately three years. Good housing conditions are essential to reach this age.
Origin of Siamese Fighting Fish
Siamese Fighting Fish originally come from Cambodia and Thailand. Although they have only been known in Europe since the late 19th century, they have been bred in their home countries for much longer.
In the past, it was common to organize fighting matches between male Siamese Fighting Fish. Since they are highly territorial and often engage in aggressive behavior towards male conspecifics, such fights often ended in death, especially in confined spaces such as aquariums.
Siamese Fighting Fish Care
In general, Siamese Fighting Fish are suitable for inexperienced aquarium owners. These attractive fish are relatively undemanding in terms of water parameters and tank size.
Siamese Fighting Fish require an aquarium with a minimum volume of 54 liters (14 gallons). It is recommended to avoid keeping them in even smaller tanks due to the associated difficulties in maintaining stable water conditions.
The water temperature should be maintained between 24 and 30 °C (75 - 86 °F), and the pH level should be between 5 and 7. Since wild Siamese Fighting Fish inhabit still waters, it is also advisable to avoid installing artificial water currents in the aquarium.
Setting up an Aquarium for Siamese Fighting Fish
Fine, dark gravel serves as a suitable substrate for the Siamese Fighting Fish aquarium. Additionally, it is important to provide sufficient vegetation for the fish to hide.
Floating plants should be used in moderation to allow the fish access to the surface for breathing. Wood and rocks can be used as decorations.
In addition to the substrate and plants, a heater, a good water filter, and moderate lighting are necessary for the aquarium setup. Since Siamese Fighting Fish can be prone to jumping, it is important to provide a suitable cover for the tank.
Tankmates for Siamese Fighting Fish
When choosing tankmates for Siamese Fighting Fish, several considerations should be made. Generally, they coexist well with less active schooling fish and catfish.
Fish species that display territorial behavior or are very active are not suitable tankmates for Siamese Fighting Fish. This also applies to fish with large fins, as they can become targets for aggression, and to small species that can be seen as prey.
It should be self-evident that keeping two male Siamese Fighting Fish in the same aquarium is not possible due to their territorial nature. However, keeping female fish together is generally less problematic.
Breeding Siamese Fighting Fish
When breeding Siamese Fighting Fish, it is important to first place the female in a breeding tank. The tank does not need to be large and should have a dark substrate. This can be achieved by painting the outside bottom of the breeding tank with a dark color.
Since the male fish usually chase away the female immediately after spawning, she should be removed from the breeding tank promptly. The male then takes care of guarding the eggs.
At a water temperature of 25 °C (77 °F), it takes approximately two days for the fry to hatch. They usually start swimming freely within another day.
By this point, it is advisable to remove the male Siamese Fighting Fish from the breeding tank, as no further parental care is required. Instead, the male may see the fry as food and begin to consume them.
Siamese Fighting Fish Diseases
Like many other species, Siamese Fighting Fish are susceptible to various fish diseases. Fluctuating water parameters can be detrimental to their health.
Some common fish diseases that can affect Siamese Fighting Fish include fungal infections, velvet disease, ich, fin rot, and swim bladder disorders.
To avoid health problems, it is important to monitor nitrite and ammonia levels in the water. Regular water changes contribute to maintaining consistent water quality in the Siamese Fighting Fish aquarium.
Siamese Fighting Fish Feeding
Siamese Fighting Fish are carnivorous. This fact should be taken into account when feeding them in the aquarium. Adequate supply of animal protein is crucial for the health of Siamese Fighting Fish.
In addition to live and frozen foods, high-quality flake food is particularly suitable for meeting their nutritional needs.
Aquaris Fish Food for Siamese Fighting Fish
A balanced diet is essential for keeping your Siamese Fighting Fish healthy and active. Aquaris fish food is the right choice for this purpose.
The high-quality food is made from carefully selected ingredients to ensure optimal nutrient composition. Aquaris fish food is easily digestible, helping to prevent unnecessary water pollution in the Siamese Fighting Fish aquarium.
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