Freshwater

Figure 8-1:
A betta lives
on average
2–3 years
and grows
to about 3
inches in
the home
aquarium.
Chapter 8: Finding Your Species
Betta or Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)
The Asian Siamese fighting fish, also known as the betta (Figure 8-1), has
been bred for years to develop strains that have long flowing fins and bright
colors. Males of this species are aggressive toward each other so you should
only have one male per tank. You can keep Siamese fighting fish in a community
aquarium as long as the other fish are not fin nippers.
Bettas build bubble nests by blowing air from their mouths in the form of
bubbles that cling together in a mass. If you want to spawn them, they should
be kept at a temperature of 76–83 degrees F. The betta is omnivorous and
swims in all levels of the tank. Bettas enjoy being fed floating foods and
freeze-dried bloodworms. Remember that bettas are not a very active fish, so
they will not eat as much as more robust varieties.
The betta is a beautiful fish that has a special organ in its head (called the
labyrinth organ) which allows it to breathe oxygen from the air at the water’s
surface. Good tankmates include corys, danios, and angelfish. Other bubble
nest builders include some gouramis and paradise fish.
Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis)
The beautifully striped and speckled paradise fish is native to China and
South Korea. When frightened, the paradise fish loses its color quickly.
Paradise fish build bubble nests for spawning, and prefer a temperature of 75
degrees F. The paradise fish is carnivorous and swims in all levels of the tank,
and generally grows to lengths of between 3–4 inches.
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