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Betta Fish (aka Siamese Fighting Fish)

Many people are attracted to betta fish by their vibrant colours, long flowing fins and the relative ease of keeping them.
In fact, this little fish is thought by many to be the best looking freshwater fish of all.
They certainly are very beautiful fish, and because they are so easy to keep, they are often an introduction to the joy of fishkeeping and a gateway to a long term fishkeeping hobby.
However, like any other animal, these fish have needs, and you should not bring a betta fish into your home unless you are willing to spend the time feeding it each day and doing water changes when necessary.

You'll find a good collection of betta fish (betta splendens) in most pet stores.
Often, you will find them in very small containers, sometimes with 2 males side by side so that they can see each other, and display aggession towards each other.
If you are just intested in selling fish, and not so bothered abouttheir welfare, this is a way to ensure the fish 'shows off' it's fins and colours.
However, it really isn't a good way to keep your fish. Although these fish are very hardy, it is clearly not in their best interests to keep them in such small containers. Additionally, it is not good forthe fish to induce and maintain the levels of stress associated with a fignting display.
 

Betta fish are available in many colours.
Most are reds, blues, yellows and greens, but many other colours and colour combinations can also be found.
Varieties of betta include half moon, crown tail and twin tail.
Some keepers even take their prized bettas to shows, and some are even specially bred for shows.

Those fish caught in the wild are highly prized because they refresh the betta gene pool. Of course, there are many ethical and legal issues with wild caught fish, but it is not the purpose of this article to discuss those issues

Betta Lovers Guide
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