Hello to everyone who’s reading; my name is Hillary and I’ve decided to
write a blog about bettas. I’ve kept and bred bettas for 8+ years now; however,
I’m taking a much needed break from breeding bettas. I am now just keeping and
caring for them as companions. I currently own 6 bettas; three males and three
females, which you will see photos of through-out my blog. The large photo on
my blog is Leo; he is a half-moon betta and is currently 1 ½ years old. I love
bettas and everything about them; to me they are one of the most majestic and
interesting fish in existence. Sadly, bettas are also one of the most
misunderstood fish in existence (along with goldfish), that is why I’ve decided
to write this blog. In this blog, I will be sharing what I’ve learned about
bettas through the years. I will be discussing proper care, tank set-ups,
treating and recognizing illnesses, suitable tank-mates, breeding, and much
more! I hope all of you will learn something new every day and discover how
wonderful these fish really are!
Betta Splendens, or more commonly
known as the Siamese fighting fish, are members of the Anabantoids (such
as the Blue Gourami). The Anabantoids are commonly known as labyrinth fish, due
to a special bone above the gill chamber (the labyrinth organ), which allow
these fish to breath air from the surface of the water. (Robert J.
Goldstein)
However, the labyrinth organ is only a second option to get oxygen for
survival purposes. It is commonly believed that Bettas originate from "The
Ring of Fire," I'm sorry, but they are wrong here...Bettas originate
mainly from Thailand, but have been distributed in the wild.
Let's take a look at the parts of a betta:
This is my Betta Boy Ares and he's
going to help us out with this one. Let's talk about the lateral line; you probably
can't see it on Ares can you? When bettas are stressed they have a dark
(sometimes even light) line running horizontally down their sides. This could
be due to inaccurate water parameters, illness, even stress from being picked
on by tank-mates; we’ll discuss the other
functions of the lateral line later on.
The Gill Coverings are used to protect the betta's gills. Yes, bettas have gills in addition to the Labyrinth Organ. When a betta flares, these gill coverings stand out. We'll talk more about flaring later on.
The Gill Slit is cut longer on the betta then on most fish. This is what allows the betta to pull the gill coverings away so far from its body.
The Caudal Peduncle is the narrow part of the betta's body that connects to the caudal (tail) fin. This portion of the betta's body holds just as much (if not more) muscle mass as the betta's jaw.
The Vent is how the betta evacuates his/her waste; I don't think we need another explanation (lol). Now that we have the basic body covered, let's move on to the fins.
The Dorsal Fin is used to keep the betta balanced in the water, without the dorsal fin, the betta would have a difficult time staying upright.
The Caudal (Tail) Fin has many purposes; the betta uses this to propel itself forward through the water (with the help of the caudal peduncle), acting as a rudder. The caudal fin also helps the betta to fan bacteria away from their nests, keeping their babies happy and healthy while they are growing.
The Anal Fin is also a means of balance in the water, much like the dorsal fin.
The Pectoral Fins allow bettas to steer through the water, and may also be used to tend to their nests.
The Pelvic (Ventral) Fins are also used for steering and balance. (Tullock)
The Gill Coverings are used to protect the betta's gills. Yes, bettas have gills in addition to the Labyrinth Organ. When a betta flares, these gill coverings stand out. We'll talk more about flaring later on.
The Gill Slit is cut longer on the betta then on most fish. This is what allows the betta to pull the gill coverings away so far from its body.
The Caudal Peduncle is the narrow part of the betta's body that connects to the caudal (tail) fin. This portion of the betta's body holds just as much (if not more) muscle mass as the betta's jaw.
The Vent is how the betta evacuates his/her waste; I don't think we need another explanation (lol). Now that we have the basic body covered, let's move on to the fins.
The Dorsal Fin is used to keep the betta balanced in the water, without the dorsal fin, the betta would have a difficult time staying upright.
The Caudal (Tail) Fin has many purposes; the betta uses this to propel itself forward through the water (with the help of the caudal peduncle), acting as a rudder. The caudal fin also helps the betta to fan bacteria away from their nests, keeping their babies happy and healthy while they are growing.
The Anal Fin is also a means of balance in the water, much like the dorsal fin.
The Pectoral Fins allow bettas to steer through the water, and may also be used to tend to their nests.
The Pelvic (Ventral) Fins are also used for steering and balance.
Sources which I will be using are from personal experience, and three
of my favorite books dedicated to this topic:
Alderton, David. Bettas and Gouramis. Irvine:
BowTie Press, 2004.
Robert J. Goldstein, Ph.D. The Betta Handbook.
Hauppauge: Barron's, 2004.
Tullock, John H. Your Happy Healthy Pet Betta.
Hoboken: Wiley Publishing Inc., 2006.
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