Scientific Name: Betta SplendensOther Names: Betta Family: BelontiidaeOrigin: Cambodia, ThailandAdult Size: 3 inches (7 cm)Social: Males cannot be kept togetherLifespan: 2-3 yearsTank Level: Top dwellerMinimum Tank Size: 3 gallonDiet: Live foods preferable, will eat flakes and frozen foodsBreeding: Egglayer - bubblenestCare: Easy to IntermediatepH: 6.8 - 7.4Hardenss: up to 20 dGHTemperature: 75-86 F (24-30 C) Optimally the water for keeping healthy Bettas should be soft, warm, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Water movement should be kept to a minimum, which means that power filters and powerheads are not suitable. Bettas may be kept in a community tank as long as the water conditions are met, and if no aggressive or fin-nipping fish are present. However, only one male may be kept in each aquarium, unless they are separated by a barrier.The use of plastic boxes that hang inside the aquarium are a suitable option for keeping more than one betta in a tank, or for keeping them in a tank with fish that might nip their fins. Females will generally not fight with each other, and may be kept in the same tank.Diet: In nature Bettas subsist almost exclusively on insects and insect larvae. They are built with an upturned mouth that is well suited to snatching any hapless insect that might fall into the water. Internally their digestive system is geared for meat, having a much shorter alimentary track than vegetarian fish. For this reason, live foods are the ideal diet for the betta, however they will adapt to eating flake foods and frozen and freeze dried foods.Brine shrimp, Daphnia, plankton, tubifex, glassworms, and beef heart, are all excellent options that may be found frozen or freeze dried. If flake food is fed, it should be supplemented with frozen and freeze-dried foods, and if possible live foods.
freshaquarium.about.com
Basic tips on taking care of a 'Siamese fighting fish?'? 
Linear Mode
