Bright and vivid colors, gorgeous fins and interactive personality make betta fish the most wonderful fish in the world. It is no wonder that these fish are finding a place in many homes and offices as a loved and admired pet.
B.Splendens are called as betta or beta in the USA. They are native to the wild fields of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Known for their fighting qualities, these fish are used for gambling. Two male fish are let to fight each other and large sums of money are placed as bet on the winning fish. One fish is almost always killed in such fights. It is because of their aggressive nature that the beta fish are always kept single.
The beautiful colors and fins that are associated with these fish are the result of breeding by expert breeders around the world. The males appear more beautiful than their female counterparts. Male have longer fins and display more vibrant colors. The females wear stripes on their body. The average size of a beta fish is 2.3 inches to 3.5inches and its life span is between 3 and 5 years. Given some care, these fish can live an extended span of life.
In the wild bettas feed on mosquito larvae and other tiny insects. In tanks, these fish feed on live and frozen brine shrimps and blood worms. They can also be fed with fish pellets and flakes. Betta fish tend to eat without limit. The wastes that they produce can contaminate the tanks and can be a cause for diseases. Feeding them once a day is sufficient. These fish can go without food for days.
These fish get sick easily but most diseases of betta fish can be easily cured. Keeping the tanks clean and changing the water at least twice a week can prevent most betta diseases. The water in the tanks should be treated for chlorine presence. Detergents and soaps which can contain harmful chemicals should not be used for cleaning the tanks. Betas originate from tropical climates and as such can thrive in warm temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bettas can often be found on the water surface. They breathe direct from the atmosphere using a unique organ called labyrinthe. Shallow tanks having a larger surface space are the best to house bettas. Deep tanks would make the fish waste a lot of energy swimming from bottom to the water surface for breathing. Tanks that can hold eight to ten gallons of water are considered ideal.
Beta fish make fine pets. They recognize their owners much more than other specie of fish do. Spending a few moments with the betta, on returning home after a hard day's work, will relax your mind.
Talking on betta fish facts a betta fish expert suggests simple and easy methods of caring for a happy, healthy and vibrant betta fish. At http://www.bettafishfacts.org, he reveals a proven system for raising a happy and healthy betta. His system makes caring for betta fish easy and fun.
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