Fin's Fish Guide
The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Southeast Asia; standing waters of floodplains, canals and rice fields.
Description
The Siamese fighting fish is a small labyrinth fish of the family Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 6 to 7 cm and is world-famous as an aquarium fish: bred forms have spectacularly long, colourful fins, while the wild form is plainer. It inhabits standing waters of floodplains, canals and rice paddies. Thanks to a labyrinth organ it can gulp air at the surface and survive in oxygen-poor water. Males are fiercely territorial and build a foam nest in which the brood is tended. As a small predator it eats insects, larvae and small zooplankton. In the wild the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Siamese fighting fish?
The Siamese fighting fish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a plain pattern. Labyrinth organ for air breathing; fiercely territorial males build a bubble nest, vulnerable in the wild.
Where does the Siamese fighting fish live?
The Siamese fighting fish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia; standing waters of floodplains, canals and rice fields.
How big does the Siamese fighting fish get?
The Siamese fighting fish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Siamese fighting fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Siamese fighting fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Siamese fighting fish edible?
The Siamese fighting fish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Betta
More from the family Osphronemidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Siamese fighting fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.