Betta Fish
Betta Fish have sparked an interest world wide. They are an intriguing fish and have proven to be an easy low maintenance pet to keep. People are curious about their fighting character, flamboyant fins and colors, and by their unusual breeding habits.
I’ve always had a fascinated for Siamese Fighting Fish. Having kept them over the years I learnt that these exotic fish each have a character of their own, much like a pet dog or cat. 
Betta fish originated from tropical Asia where they inhabit the warm still rice paddy ponds. In their native form, they don’t look anything special; however, dedicated betta breeders have managed to take this dull looking fish and breed the flamboyant colourful modern bettas that we see today. Modern varieties such as Double Tails, Half Moon Tails, Delta Tails and Crown Tails can be bought from betta fish breeders and from some aquarium stores.
The betta fish belong to the group of fish known for their bubble nest building nature, which also includes aquarium fish species such as the gouramis. Fish keepers get a real buzz from the challenge of successfully breeding bettas and raising their delicate fry.
Betta fighting fish are not overly difficult to breed and can be managed easily by fish keepers, so long as they have a good understanding of their needs such as…
Betta water parameters
Selection of quality fish for breeding
Setting up a breeding tank
Conditioning their fish for breeding
Introducing the pair to one another
Feeding and raising fry.
Fish health
Much of the information to help you get started with keeping and breeding betta fish can be found on this website. You will also find recommended books on all aspects of raising and breeding betta fish.
Another unique characteristic of betas is that they possess a labyrinth organ which is 
situated on their head. This important organ enables them to live in restricted unoxygenated ponds. To breathe oxygen, they simply raise the top of their head to the water surface.
Pet stores have capitalized on this adaptation by selling beta fish as pets housed in very small bowls, cups or containers. Although they may seem OK in these small containers, you’ll soon find that, without daily water management, the fish will become stressed and develop an illness.
In order to live a long healthy life (three years or more), Siamese Fighting Fish require better living conditions than what a tiny bowl can offer. Here are some points to consider…
• Betta water is easily polluted by fish wastes and uneaten food and a small container will require daily water cleaning and changing.
• Being tropical fish, they require consistent warm water, which can be achieved using a water heater, however, this is difficult to install in a small tank.
• Although betta fish can survive in unoxygenated water, they will not be happy. They need a larger tank or betta aquarium with a cycling filter purifying and oxygenating their water.
• Bettas need a tank that can offer them hiding places. A fish that feels exposed to light, predators and has no where to retreat will stress… and we all know what stress eventually can lead to!
So… if you are new to keeping bettas, it is my recommendation that you do your homework, buy a betta fish guide book or two and set your fish up in a suitable happy home, and in return your fish will reward you with years of enjoyment.
Additional articles well worth a read on the topic of Betta Fish
Here are a selection of Betta Fish products that my be of interest to you. Hopefully there is something there to help you with your Siamese Fighting Fish hobby!
