Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)

Siamese Fighting Fish

Description of the Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)
The Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) is known as the "pla kat" in Thailand which translates to biting or tearing Fish. This fish is known as the  "Jewel of the Orient" due to its flowing fins and beautiful coloring.  As its name suggests, the Siamese Fighting fish is an aggressive fish. It is recommended that this fish is kept on its own as they will even act aggressively towards their own reflection in the aquarium glass!

Profile of the Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Siamese Fighting Fish species.

• Size: Up to 6cm

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp: 24 -30 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding:  Mosquito Larvae, Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Daphnia

• Temperament: Aggressive and will fight to the death!

• Habitat: Freshwater Rice Paddies of Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia

• Behaviour: The males tend to be more aggressive

• Range: Asia, Mekong Basin

Scientific Classification of the Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens)
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Betta splendens

• Popular Name: Siamese Fighting Fish - Betta - Thai Fighting Fish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Osphronemidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Siamese Fighting Fish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) slimy?
Siamese Fighting Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Siamese Fighting Fish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) have gills?
Gills enable the Siamese Fighting Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Siamese Fighting Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Siamese Fighting Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Siamese Fighting Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Siamese Fighting Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Siamese Fighting Fish