Siamese fighting fish
Betta splendens
The Siamese fighting fish is a labyrinth fish native to Southeast Asia, able to breathe air at the surface. The males, with their long flowing fins and intense colours, are strikingly beautiful but fiercely territorial. It is a fish with a strong character that often recognises its keeper.
Parameters
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Min volume
- 20 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness (GH)
- 5–20 °GH
- Adult size
- 6 cm
- Lifespan
- 3 years
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Temperament
- Mâles territoriaux et solitaires
- Difficulty
- Débutant
Environment
A heated aquarium of at least 20 litres, planted and without strong current, suits it perfectly. Keep the water between 24 and 28 °C, pH 6.5 to 7.5; a heater is essential. Cover the tank as it can jump, and leave free space at the surface so it can breathe air.
Feeding
A carnivore, it prefers protein-rich foods: betta-specific granules, bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia, live or frozen. Avoid overfeeding it, as its stomach is tiny. A weekly fasting day is beneficial.
Tips & tankmates
Never keep two males together: they fight to exhaustion. Banish the unheated bowl, a source of suffering and death. Also avoid neighbours with veil-like fins or fin-nippers, which cause stress and aggression.
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Information provided for guidance only; it may vary between individuals and conditions. If in doubt about an animal's health, consult a vet.