Mary Allen
In many community aquariums, male fighting fish are the eye-catchers, because they are actually quite sociable fellows. They got their name from their aggressive behavior towards males.
Dazzling colors and spectacular fins that wave through the water like fluttering flags are the distinguishing features of the Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens. They originally come from Southeast Asia and from there have conquered aquariums all over the world. They are extremely varied in terms of color, ranging from snow-white to yellow, red, blue to pitch-black and every imaginable shade in between.
Similar to Japanese koi carp, there are no fixed standards for the shapes and different color variants of fighting fish. There are even betta catalogs, where you can look at and order the different colors with their names.
The long-time ornamental fish breeder Peter Merz, from the Fördergemeinschaft Leben mit Heimtiere e.V. (FLH), recommends: “Customers who are looking for stylish fish like koi but don’t have a garden pond are usually enthusiastic about the Betta splendens. Fighting fish are currently the hip butterflies for smaller aquariums. Many aficionados can’t get enough of these beauties and keep several in different tanks. Due to their simple keeping conditions, they are also well suited for beginners.»
Highlanders in the Aquarium
In many community aquariums, male fighting fish are the eye-catchers, because they are actually quite sociable fellows. They got their name from their aggressive behavior towards males. Freely based on the Highlander saying “There can only be one”, two males attack each other until the weaker one gives in and runs away.
However, in a small aquarium, there is no escape for the defeated one, he would die. Bettas are very peaceful towards other fish, only very small juvenile fish or shrimp is a welcome change in the menu. Conversely, it can also be the case that fish such as Sumatran barbs nibble on the long fins of the Bettas. They feel most comfortable when the roommates in the aquarium also swim calmly and deliberately. Fish that mostly stay on the bottom, such as mailed catfish, are also ideal companions for the little machos.
The Best Mother in the World
When it comes to offspring, the betta becomes the best mother in the world. He builds the nursery, a foam nest consisting of many small air bubbles, which he keeps from bursting with his saliva. Plants directly under the water surface serve as an additional aid. Nevertheless, the nest only remains stable if the water surface is not moved at this point. After completion, the appropriate female is selected and led to the nest. In enrapturing lovemaking, he embraces his partner powerfully until she releases her spawn, which he fertilizes at the same time.
Most eggs are lighter than water and will climb into the nest of foam on their own. He persistently collects the heavier ones in his mouth and spits them in. The female is now no longer needed and has to flee to safety from the male as quickly as possible. For the next few days, the father alone takes care of the eggs and the offspring until they swim freely. Only then is the father’s love over and the young fish have to get to safety from him.
Betta Love Plants
Siamese fighting fish have adapted to life in still freshwater waters. In Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam they are often found in flooded meadows and paddy fields. During the dry season, these usually dry up except for small residual puddles. The bettas are then often the only fish that survive. They feel most comfortable between dense stands of plants, where they can hide in case of danger. In the home aquarium, too, the value should be placed on lush planting.
Betta splendens belong to the labyrinth fish. They have a very special breathing organ that enables them to absorb atmospheric oxygen. They must periodically rise to the surface of the water to breathe air.
Single specimen tanks do not need to be as large as community tanks. When buying, however, it should be noted that a smaller aquarium does not necessarily mean less work. Maintaining a biological balance with stable water values and healthy plants and animals is much easier in a large tank than in a small one. The absolute minimum for a single male betta should be twelve liters, the bigger the better.
Good Advice in Pet Shops
In general, the pet shop is the best place to go for aquarist-to-be when it comes to fish, plants, and accessories. Although there are many tips and offers on the Internet, experts warn against quick bargains: “Newcomers in particular often rely on the first piece of advice they read on the Internet, but do not know that the circumstances vary from owner to owner. Just because something works for you doesn’t make it universal. Individual and personal advice in the pet trade is essential, as the wishes and requirements at home are always different. You should never buy live animals without first looking at them personally,” says Merz.