Betta fish: Its History and Nature

 

Betta has a long history of fish fights, a king, and numerous colors. A particular fish belonging to the Betta species is referred to as a "betta fish." This Betta fish is also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish in many places (especially in Western countries like the US), even though this is not its original name.

Due to the fish's aggressive character and history of fish fights, it has earned its name.

In this piece, we will go through the history that led to the eventual domestication of the ever-beautiful Betta fish. We will also give users some ways to get live Betta for sale. Let’s get going.

The History of the Domestication of the Betta

Scientists suggest that the first encounter between the Betta and humans occurred most likely in a rice field when it was domesticated 1000 years ago. It is believed that the first rice fields where people first caught domestic Betta fish were in nations like Thailand.

But the popularity of the Betta back then and now is primarily due to its colors and aggressive nature. A Thai royal preserved betta fish in the eighteenth century. He also participated in the then-popular fish cockfights.

The Nature and Physique of a Betta

Territorial, aggressive, and solitary are the three characteristics that define betta fish. Betta fish live alone and spend most of their time feeding, mating, or caring for their young. However, the Betta is renowned for being a dedicated parent who builds bubble nests or performs mouth brooding to care for its young.

You should be aware that bettas only sometimes develop very much in the wild. They can grow to a maximum length of 2.25 inches in the wild, roughly equivalent to a betta's size. Dumbo betta fish can grow to a total length of 3.5 inches in some cases.

However, their color is the feature that draws the most attention to them. Betta fish come in all the colors of the rainbow and still more.

Betta in Wild vs. Betta in Captivity

They usually have duller colors in the wild, but the Betta that will reside in your aquarium will have the most colorful and striking combination.

In both nature and captivity, the Betta fish prefer a pH of 7, which is relatively neutral. However, it can handle a slight variation of 6.5-7. Low pH levels can instantly kill a betta. The carer can add chemicals like baking soda or borax to the water to balance the pH if it drops too low.

Betta fish can live up to four years in captivity, depending on several factors. However, betta fish may live shorter in the wild due to poor living conditions and conflict with other males.

Getting a Betta fish

Where to get Betta fish? Although the Betta fish are not a vulnerable species and can easily be found in the freshwater bodies of South East Asia, we recommend that you buy your Betta from a reputed source.