Welcome to RB Bettas UK

Betta Splendens
Siamese Fighting Fish
The Fighting Fish of Siam.

Note: due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no fish available for purchase until early may. Sorry for any inconvenience.

One of the most unique, intelligent, and interesting species of Aquarium fish, the Betta comes from the warm region of Thailand , where it typically makes its home in the slow-water rice paddies. As per its name, the Fighting Fish is extremely territorial in nature, and can be a combative and violent fish. This behavior is particularly noticable in the male, who, once engaged, often fights his opponent to the death. For this reason, males should never be kept together. The aggressiveness of the female usually amounts to confrontation and retreat, with occasional minor skirmishes, though some of them can be as nasty as the males. In spite of their nature, Bettas remain a favorite among aquarists due to their bright colors, spectacular finnage, and ability to survive in conditions unsuitable for other aquarium fish. Bettas possess a unique breathing apparatus called the labyrinth, which enables them to survive in the low-oxygen still waters of their native Thailand . Instead of relying on the water to provide the oxygen their bodies need, the Betta periodically rises to the surface to breathe. Due to this ability, it is possible to keep a Betta in a very small amount of water, although a container that is too cramped is both inhumane and ultimately unhealthy. A betta should be provided with a minimum of a half gallon of clean water to achieve long-term health and vitality.

The modern Betta is barely recognizable from the cheeky little fish from whence it came (and which still resides in its wild form in Southest Asia). The Wild Type of Betta Splendens has much shorter fins and more subdued coloring. The females are difficult to differentiate from the males, and each fish exists in a network of long-established territories, males building nests and spawning with females as they present themselves. When in the presense of another of its species, Bettas will often perform the 'flare'. When a male sees another male (or his own reflection!) his gill covers raise, his fins spread wide to show his competitor how big and powerful he is, and he will shake his proud head in anger. This soon leads to slapping with the body and biting/rending of the fins if the rival male does not at once back down. This can go on for hours, and only ends when one of the fish backs down or is too badly injured to continue fighting.

The male performs a slightly different kind of 'flare' for a prospective mate, often dancing extensively with fins spread and displaying his body for an impressive side view. The female will usually flare back at him playfully, and though these rituals of love can become violent, they are often nearly poignant in their beauty and display.

74,731 Hits since September 2006