What is the Betta splendens?
Origins, temperament and unique traits of an extraordinary fish.
Origins & habitat
The Betta splendens comes from the warm, shallow waters of Southeast Asia: rice paddies, marshes and ditches of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
It has a unique breathing organ, the labyrinth, allowing it to breathe atmospheric air at the surface — an adaptation to oxygen-poor waters.
Males are famous for their territoriality: two males placed together will fight, hence the name "fighting fish".
ID card
Explore the guide
Everything you need to know about the Betta splendens.
Care
Water parameters, feeding, common diseases and care routine.
Aquarium
Tank choice, filtration, lighting, plants and setup.
Breeding
Bubble nest, spawning, egg care and raising fry.
Compatibility
Compatible species, those to avoid, and community tank examples.
Varieties
Fin morphologies and the colour and pattern palette.
Shows
IBC standards, judging categories and show preparation.
Buying
Where to buy, spotting a healthy fish, budget and variety quiz.
FAQ
Answers to the most common beginner questions.
Glossary
All the Betta keeping vocabulary explained simply.
Did you know?
It breathes air
Thanks to its labyrinth, the Betta regularly surfaces to breathe atmospheric air.
It reacts to mirrors
Facing its reflection, the male flares its fins, believing it sees a rival.
It knows its owner
Intelligent, the Betta learns to recognise the person who feeds it and can be trained.