Scientific Name: Betta splendens
Common Name: Red Samurai Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish, Samurai Fighter
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Captive-bred variety; ancestral range Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam).
Size: Typically grows to about 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 7.5 cm) in length.
Lifespan: 2 to 4 years in captivity.
Diet: Carnivorous. In the wild they feed on insect larvae and zooplankton. In aquariums, they do best on quality betta pellets, with variety added through frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Skip flakes — most bettas simply spit them out.
Behavior: Territorial and aggressive towards other male bettas — only one male per tank. Males may also nip the fins of long-finned tank mates such as guppies. Generally peaceful towards dissimilar species.
Water Parameters: Prefer a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, a temperature range of 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C), and soft to moderately hard water (3 to 12 dGH).
Breeding: Bubble nest builders. The male builds a nest at the surface and courts the female, wrapping around her to release and fertilise eggs, which he then gathers and places in the nest. The male guards the nest and fry until they are free-swimming.
Tank Setup: A heated, filtered aquarium of at least 20 litres with calm water flow, plenty of hiding places and vegetation, and easy access to the surface for air breathing. Bettas are labyrinth fish and need to gulp air from above.
Compatibility: Best kept alone or with peaceful, short-finned species of similar size. Avoid other male bettas, aggressive fish, and fin-nipping species. Shrimp may be picked off by adult bettas.