Betta splendens is more accurately called by its scientific name or 'Siamese fighting fish' to avoid confusion with the other members of the genus.Įnglish-speakers often pronounce betta as 'bay-tuh', after the second letter in the Greek alphabet. splendens, despite the term scientifically applying to the entire genus, which includes B. Outside Southeast Asia, the name 'betta' is used specifically to describe B. splendens is listed as ' vulnerable' by the IUCN, due to increasing pollution and habitat destruction. In addition to its worldwide popularity, the Siamese fighting fish is the national aquatic animal of Thailand, which remains the primary breeder and exporter of bettas for the global aquarium market. Bettas are exceptionally tolerant of low oxygen levels and poor water quality, owing to their special labyrinth organ, a characteristic unique to the suborder Anabantoidei that allows for the intake of surface air. Female bettas can also become territorial towards one another in confined spaces. īettas are well known for being highly territorial, with males prone to attacking each other if housed in the same tank without a means of escape, this will usually result in the death of one or both fish. splendens long history of selective breeding has produced a wide variety of coloration and finnage, earning it the moniker, 'designer fish of the aquatic world'. They first appeared in the West in the late 19th century, and within decades became popular as ornamental fish. Bettas became known outside Thailand through King Rama III (1788-1851), who is said to have given some to Theodore Cantor, a Danish physician, zoologist, and botanist. They were initially bred for aggression and subject to gambling matches akin to cockfighting.

Siamese fighting fish are endemic to the central plain of Thailand, where they were first domesticated at least 1,000 years ago, among the longest of any fish.

It is one of 73 species of the genus Betta, but the only one eponymously called 'betta', owing to its global popularity as a pet Betta splendens are among the most popular aquarium fish in the world, due to their diverse and colorful morphology and relatively low maintenance. The Siamese fighting fish ( Betta splendens), commonly known as the betta, is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

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