7 Fun Betta/Siamese Fighting Fish Facts

photo credit: Gao Hui

This post is going to be similar to the Goldfish Facts post that got a lot of attention, largely because some things weren't all that accurate. To be honest, I pieced that article together on the fly. Feel free to criticize this article as well. That's one of the reasons the internet is so great. If we didn't have people correcting others, their would be even more false information out there than there is already.

I'd also like to add that the above picture is absolutely beautiful, keep up the good work Sarawut!

Anyway, on to the facts:

1. Betta fish are commonly referred to as Siamese Fighting Fish. This is because they were first discovered in Cambodia, Thailand, once named Siam. Hence the name Siamese Fighting Fish.

2. Betta fish are agressive. If put in a tank with a mirror, they will attempt to fight with the "other fish" he/she sees in the mirror, at the very least they will try to intimidate the "other fish".

3. When a nest of bubbles starts to gather at the top of the water, they are in heat, and looking to mate. However, if you aren't experienced in this area, don't try getting them to mate on your own. Especially for betta fish, this a a very sensitive process.

4. Betta fish require very little space. In pets store you often times see them in itty-bitty jars. Of course if you want your betta to live a full and happy life, at least get them into a small fish bowl.

5. Betta fish can breathe fresh air. The labyrinth organ that develops in certain fish allows them to swim to the surface and take in oxygen directly from the air.

6. Betta fish usually only live up to 3 years, but if you do a really good job of taking care of them they can live up to a decade in some cases.

7. Marble Siamese Fighting Fish were created in a breeding experiment performed by an inmate in a Indiana state prison, who was breeding fish in small jars, and selling extra fish to fellow inmates.