Fish · GBIF taxon 2393998
Betta splendens
betta splendensAlso known as Siamese Fighting Fish, Siamese Fighter, Plakat
Siamese fighting fish navigate low-oxygen tropical marshes using a specialized labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the surface. Males defend fiercely contested territories, displaying vibrant gill flares and building intricate bubble nests to protect their eggs. Wild populations remain vital indicators of healthy Southeast Asian wetland ecosystems, though agricultural pollution and urban development threaten their native habitats.
FreshwaterAnabantoidTerritorial
Licensed referenceDaniella Vereeken / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mosquito larvae
- Water fleas
- Small aquatic worms
Predators
- Water birds
- Larger predatory fish
- Aquatic snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture, urban sprawl, and pollution
HabitatsShallow freshwater wetlands, rice paddies, marshes, and slow-moving streams
Life span2 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPerciformes
- FamilyOsphronemidae
- GenusBetta
- Speciesbetta splendens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Wild males feature short fins with iridescent green or blue scales over dapped brownish bodies.
- Support conservation
- Observe wild wetland habitats gently without collecting wild specimens or disturbing aquatic plants.
Responsible observation
- Observing Males: Keep solitary males in separate enclosures to prevent territorial fighting.
- Breeding Habits: Watch for elaborate bubble nests constructed by males at the water surface.
- Surface Access: Ensure open air above the water line so fish can gulp oxygen.
Close Relative DefenderRegina / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative panitvong,n / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Family Relative (c) Klaus Rudloff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Family Relative André Karwath aka Aka, edited by Muhammad / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
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