Monday 31 October 2011

What is a Betta?

Bettas are actually Siamese fighting fishes which have have been affectionately named after their scientific name, Betta splendens. These thumb-sized freshwater tropical fishes are ancestors of their rice field-dwelling cousins but have since morphed from plain looking things into eye candies and dazzling floating pieces of jewel.


Due to its ancestry, bettas are able to thrive in low oxygen content waters with most owners rearing individuals without the need for external air supply. Like all aquatic creatures, providing a clean living environment and regular feeding goes a long way in its well-being and lifespan. The aggressive nature of bettas form a large part of its charm and as a result, have to be kept in separate tanks to prevent them from fighting for their territory, sometimes to the death. Harnessing this aggressive energy through regular flaring several times a day not only provides much viewing pleasure but also necessary exercise for your beloved pets.

About YourBettas

This site is all about the humble fighting fish (betta splenden).

Since the days of our forefathers, betta hobbyists young and old alike have been rearing these spunky creatures for pleasure. In the past (and in some hush-hush corners today), pleasure from fighting fish was derived from, well... fighting. 

As attitudes and tastes changed across the decades, so did the appearance of bettas. Hobbyists and betta lovers began to develop and appreciate bettas for their elaborate finnage and kaleidoscope of colours instead of using them for sport. You name the colour and pattern of your fancy, you'll likely find it exists on a betta somewhere in the world.

This understated fish has truly captured our hearts and I am here to share and introduce the joys of betta keeping to the rest of the world by storm!