Betta

Betta splendens

Vulnerable Freshwater

Max Length

7.0 cm

Max Weight

0.003 kg

Color

Highly variable in domesticated strains; …

Family

Osphronemidae

About

The Siamese fighting fish is famous for its vibrant colors and flowing fins, developed through centuries of selective breeding. Males are highly territorial and will flare their gill covers at rivals. They possess a labyrinth organ for breathing atmospheric air.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	7.0 cm
Maximum Weight	0.003 kg

Coloration

Highly variable in domesticated strains; wild type is dull brownish-green with iridescent blue-green scale patches; long flowing fins display intense reds, blues, purples, and teals with iridescent sheen.

Habitat & Distribution

Shallow, densely vegetated ponds, rice paddies, and slow streams of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Tolerates oxygen-poor, warm water (24-30°C). Males highly territorial; builds bubble nests at the surface.

Water Type

Freshwater

Geographic Range

Native to the Mekong River basin in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Found in shallow rice paddies, irrigation ditches, ponds, and slow-moving lowland streams across the Chao Phraya drainage.

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Conservation Status

Vulnerable IUCN Red List

Betta is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Betta faces significant threats to its wild populations.

Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Not consumed — ornamental aquarium species prized for its flowing fins and vibrant coloration; classified Vulnerable in the wild.

Aquarium Care

Care Level

Temperament

Aggressive

Min Tank Size

19 liters

Temperature

24-30

pH Range

6.5-7.5

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Taxonomy

Order	Anabantiformes (Labyrinth fishes)
Family	Osphronemidae (Gouramis)
Species	Betta splendens

Names in Other Languages

Language	Name
Spanish	Betta

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Betta?

Not consumed — ornamental aquarium species prized for its flowing fins and vibrant coloration; classified Vulnerable in the wild.

How big does Betta get?

Betta can grow up to 7.0 cm long and weigh 0.003 kg.

Is Betta good for aquariums?

Betta has a easy care level, a aggressive temperament, requires a minimum tank size of 19 liters.

Where is Betta found?

Native to the Mekong River basin in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Found in shallow rice paddies, irrigation ditches, ponds, and slow-moving lowland streams across the Chao Phraya drainage. Shallow, densely vegetated ponds, rice paddies, and slow streams of Thailand and Southeast Asia. Tolerates oxygen-poor, warm water (24-30°C). Males highly territorial; builds bubble nests at the surfa

Is Betta endangered?

The conservation status of Betta is Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List.

What family does Betta belong to?

Betta (Betta splendens) belongs to the family Osphronemidae (Gouramis) in the order Anabantiformes (Labyrinth fishes).