Southeast Asia, specifically Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, is home to the freshwater fish known as Betta (Siamese fighting fish). Due to their widespread appeal as pets and their relatively low maintenance requirements, Betta splendens are among the most widely kept aquarium fish in the world. There are 73 species in the genus Betta, but only one is given the name “betta”. Not only is the Siamese fighting fish well known internationally, but it is also Thailand’s national aquatic animal, which continues to be the country’s main source of betta breeding and export. The IUCN has classified the Betta as “vulnerable” due to increasing pollution and habitat destruction, despite their widespread use as pets.
Typically, B. splendens reaches a length of 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in). Although aquarium specimens of B. splendens are well known for their vibrant colors and huge, flowing fins, wild fish only display vibrant colors when agitated; their usual color is often blue, green, brown and grey. Siamese fighting fish have been deliberately bred in captivity to display a brilliant variety of colors and tail patterns.
