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Siamese Fighting Fish, or Betas, are a fascinating pet. They are incredibly beautiful, richly colored, require relatively little space, and are reasonably priced. The males of the species have long trailing fins, while the females are quite plain by comparison. The colors vary between intense reds, blues, and purples to almost translucent white. They are also very curious animals that interact with their human keepers. However, to be successful at keeping these fish healthy and happy, there are a few guidelines that must be followed.
Although the a single beta male can be kept communally with other tropical fish, two beta males have a tendency to fight one another over territory, usually to the death. The males will also cause injury to females in their drive to reproduce. Female betas are not aggressive, and can be housed communally. No one should ever buy multiple males with the intention of using them for the morbid entertainment of allowing them to combat. This is inhumane and inexcusable treatment of a living creature. Housing two male betas side by side in separate quarters will deliver greater pleasure, as the two fish display and threaten with no injury to one another.
Betas originate from the slow moving, slightly stagnant waterways and rice fields of Southeast Asia. The oxygen content of the water in these areas is low, and the beta has evolved a secondary "labyrinth organ" to actually breathe by rising to the surface for a gulp of air. For this reason, Siamese Fighting Fish do not require the same aeration and filtration systems of most aquariums. They can live quite happily in a variety of habitats. However, just because the beta can survive in a cramped, stagnant bowl with no plants or gravel, that doesn't mean that they should be sentenced to such a life. The tiny bowls or plastic punch glasses in which these fish are sold are not suitable for long term habitation. Find a reasonably sized aquarium, goldfish bowl, or even a huge brandy snifter, and add some gravel, a live or plastic plant, and some interesting accessories. The habitat will be more interesting to you and your pet.
Although the water doesn't need constant filtration and aeration, water changes will need to be done about every two weeks. You must be careful, however, that the water is properly conditioned before transferring the fish. Regular tap water contains a variety of contaminants, especially chlorine, that will kill the beta. About two days before the water change, you should fill large containers such as ice cream or margarine tubs with tap water, and allow the water to stand so that the contaminants leach out into the air. You could also use filtered water, or buy a special aquarium water conditioner from any pet store. Also, you should save 1/4 of the old water in the bowl to mix with the new water because the balance of beneficial bacteria needs to be maintained for the health of the fish. Rinse out the old bowl with a paper towel or cloth, and NEVER use any kind of detergents. Even a small amount of soap residue can kill the fish. A sudden change in temperature will harm the beta as well, so you must allow the water to reach room temperature before transferring the fish.
A beta can be maintained on many different types of food, from tropical fish flakes to live food. One floating pelleted food called Beta Bites maintains color and stimulates appetite. Using this pelleted food also allows the fish to be "trained" to surface for the meal, often jumping partially out of the water. Try not to overfeed the fish, as any uneaten food will soil the water, requiring more frequent water changes.
A beta can be the perfect pet for someone with limited time or space. They can easily be trained to surface to the snapping of fingers for food, and will often "play fight" when a human face comes too close to the bowl. Add to the equation the shear beauty of the animal, and it becomes obvious why the Siamese Fighting Fish is such a popular pet.
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