Page 106 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

104 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

ANABANTOIDS

The defining characteristic of this group of fish is a
special structure called the labyrinth organ. Located
close to the gills, it enables the fish to breathe
atmospheric air directly. Anabantoid
species, which include the popular
bettas and gouramis, are found
in parts of southern Asia and in
Africa. Virtually all anabantoids
display a degree of parental care. In most
cases, the male constructs a bubble nest
for the eggs, although some species are
mouth-brooders. While males can be Siamese Fighting Fish
(Betta splendens) are
kept in community aquariums, they undoubtedly the best-
known anabantoids
are frequently too aggressive to make among hobbyists, with
more than 100 different
suitable companions for each other. strains available.

Betta splendens
Siamese Fighting Fish dark red, probably with bluish streaking on their breeders have concentrated on establishing a
fins and a pair of vertical lines on the side of the wide range of color forms, ranging from white
ORIGINS Southeast Asia, occurring in Thailand, head behind the eyes. Certainly, the wild ancestors through yellow to purple. Selective breeding has
although its exact range is uncertain. of today’s Siamese Fighting Fish had simpler fins also been used to modify the fins, which are always
SIZE 2 ⁄4 in (6 cm). than those seen in modern strains. more elaborate in the males. With the exception
1
DIET Prepared foods and live foods. It is likely that interest in keeping these fish for of the female Half-Moon Betta, pictured below
WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft fighting purposes began, not in Thailand, but in left, all the specimens shown here are male.
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5). neighboring Cambodia (Kampuchea). In fact, the
TEMPERAMENT Males are aggressive toward each other. Thai name for these fish is pla kat khmer, which Color becomes
translates as “fin-biter in Khmer” (Khmer blue-black at
spawning time
The Siamese Fighting Fish is also referred to as the is a former name of Cambodia). Since
Betta, particularly in North America. This species being introduced to the West, however,
was widely kept in Thailand for more than 200
years before it became known in the West in the Dorsal fin far back
late 1800s. In their homeland, where they on the body
frequent the canals, or klongs, that flow
through many Thai cities, Siamese Fighting
Fish were selectively bred not only for their
color but also for their fighting ability, with
significant amounts of money being bet on
the outcome of contests between the more
aggressive males.
Different strains evolved from cross-breeding
fish obtained from various parts of Thailand. As a Rounded caudal fin is
result, it is now practically impossible to be certain similar in shape to Depth of black
that of a wild Betta
of the original distribution of these fish, or of their coloration is variable
natural coloration, even though alleged “wild Half-Moon Betta female Sexing is quite straightforward Half-Moon Betta male Black is not a popular color for
type” specimens are occasionally offered for sale. with the Betta, since the fins of females are generally far bettas, since it is linked with a lethal gene. If two black
Current thinking is that wild forms were originally less elaborate in appearance than those of males. fish mate, some of the offspring will die before hatching.

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