Siamese fighting fish
Siamese fighting fish, also known as betta fish, are freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, specifically from Thailand to Borneo. Recognized for their vibrant colors and long, flowing fins, these small fish typically grow to about three inches in length. Males are particularly noted for their aggressive behavior, often engaging in fierce battles with one another, which can result in injury or death. In the wild, their coloration is less vivid than that of the selectively bred varieties found in pet stores, which exhibit a range of colors, including blues, reds, and purples.
Siamese fighting fish are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes fish eggs, insects, and crustaceans. They thrive in calm, shallow waters filled with vegetation. Their unique breeding process involves males building bubble nests and performing elaborate courtship displays to attract females. After mating, males fertilize the eggs and protect them until they hatch within 24 to 48 hours. While the life span of Siamese fighting fish is about two years, they are not considered a threatened species.
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Siamese fighting fish
Siamese fighting fish were given the name fighting fish for the vicious behavior of the males of this species. These creatures are known for their aggressive behavior toward one another. Two male Siamese fighting fish fight to the death when given the opportunity. Some male Siamese fighting fish in aquariums have been known to beat themselves to death against the sides of the fish tanks when shown their own reflections. Siamese fighting fish are also known as betta fish.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anabantiformes
Family: Osphronemidae
Genus: Betta
Species: Splendens
Siamese fighting fish are found naturally in the freshwater areas of Southeast Asia from Thailand to Borneo. They are also found in pet stores around the world. In the wild, these fish are not as beautifully colored as the pet store varieties. Over the years, many people have bred Siamese fighting fish to enhance their appearances. Today these small fish may be found in a variety of blues, reds, greens, and purples. Some are also a peachy-white color. Siamese fighting fish typically grow to be about three inches (seven centimeters) long.
Male Siamese fighting fish generally have long, flowing fins. These fish are famous for their vicious attacks on other male Siamese fighting fish. Some people have even been known to put pairs of male Siamese fighting fish together in tanks and then bet on which ones will survive. These vicious battles may continue for many hours, until eventually the weaker fish die.
Like other fish, Siamese fighting fish need oxygen to survive. Since they cannot inhale air and use its oxygen, they have to find the oxygen they need from the water in which they live. Siamese fighting fish take water into their mouths, keep the oxygen they need, and filter out the waste chemicals through the gills on the sides of their heads.
Siamese fighting fish are omnivorous, or meat-and-plant-eating, creatures. They feed on a variety of fish eggs, insects, insect larvae, crustaceans, worms, and plants. Like other small fish, Siamese fighting fish are preyed upon by larger, predatory fish. Turtles, frogs, cats, and snakes are other predators.
In nature, Siamese fighting fish are found in the calm waters of lakes, ponds, slow rivers, and irrigation ditches. They generally inhabit shallow clear water with many weeds and plants.
There is no specific breeding season for Siamese fighting fish. During the breeding season, the males put on exciting courtship displays. They parade through the water with their long, colorful fins flared around their bodies. These displays are designed to attract female fighting fish back to the nests of the males. Should the female not show interest, the courtship ritual can become violent. The males' nests consist of sticky mucus bubbles bound together to form a floating raft. When female and male fighting fish mate, the males direct the females, so their eggs are released in the direction of these nests. The males then fertilize the eggs. Many eggs drift downward as they are fertilized. Male fighting fish catch these eggs in their mouths and spit them back into the nests. This system of releasing and fertilizing eggs is known as spawning. Siamese fighting fish eggs have an incubation period, or growth period, or between 24 and 48 hours. They reach maturity around five months of age.
Siamese fighting fish have a life span of about two years. They are not a threatened species.
Bibliography
Sharpe, Shirlie. “Betta (Siamese Fishing Fish): Fish Species Profile.” The Spruce Pets, 28 Sept. 2023, www.thesprucepets.com/siamese-fighting-fish-bettas-1378308. Accessed 11 May 2024.
Sturgeon, Dianna. “ADW: Betta Splendens: Information.” Animal Diversity Web, 2001, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Betta‗splendens. Accessed 11 May 2024.