Betta
Legacy Name: Betta

Scientific name: Betta splendens
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years (In captivity)
Tank: 3-5 gallon min

The Siamese fighting fish, also known as the betta, is a species in the gourami family which is popular as an aquarium fish.

:Colors:
Betta fish come in red and blue but also black, yellow, turquoise, orange, white, multi colors, marble and the newest trend, koi. While their natural colors are geared more towards soft browns and blacks.

:Tanks:
Sadly many people have heard the story of how betta fish can live in shallow rice paddies and think a little one gallon tank or bowl is plenty for this little fish. Rice paddies might be shallow but also cover a huge area so the fish have lots of room to swim.
While a betta fish is not a particularly large fish, with their elaborate fins and tails they need more room than you might think, especially if you put plants or other decorative items in their tanks. Proper ratios are one inch of fish = 1 gallon of water. Combine that with decor, rock and the fish and its fins and 3-5 gallons is minimum. Just because it can doesn't mean it'll live long or happily.

:Filters:
Bettas have an organ known as the labyrinth organ which allows them to breathe air at the water's surface. This organ was thought to allow the fish to be kept in un-maintained tiny aquarium but this is a misconception. Live in your bathroom for more then a month without cleaning it, including the toilet (ew!) and I'm sure you couldn't live in there for long. A fish's bowl is their dinner table, bathroom and living room, they breath and live in it. Filters keep the gunk from piling up and keep your fish much healthier.

:Feeding:
Over feeding is the number one killer of aquarium fish. Fish are opportunists, they will continue to eat until they literally die. A hungry fish is a happy fish. For example look at your little pinky nail, that is bigger then most fish stomachs.

:Lifespan:
With proper care, betta fish can not only live 5+ years, but they are intelligent enough to learn a feeding schedule and tricks! As always, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and that of their own pet fish. A little reading goes a long way thou to learn about this amazing little creature.

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