Betta Splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Photo by ErgoSum88 
Family: Belontiidae
Scientific name: Betta Splendens
Common name: Siamese Fighting Fish
Synonyms: Betta trifasciata, B. pugnax
Origin: Southeast Asia; Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia
Adult size: 6-7cm
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Sex: Males are brightly coloured and have longer fins.
Minimum aquarium size: 25cm
Aquarium decor: Plants
Temperature: 24-30°C
Water chemistry: pH 6-8. Hardness up to 25°dGH
Diet: Omnivore; live, flake
Swimming level: top
Compatibility: Males cannot be kept together, they will fight. Peaceful with other community fish but avoid fin nippers.
Comments: Bettas can survive in water that is low in dissolved oxygen, not because they need less oxygen than other fish but because they are anabantoids or labyrinth fish. Labyrinth fishes have a lung-like labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air by gulping it at the water surface. Leave a gap of 2.5cm between the water surface and condensation lid to allow the fish to breathe.
