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[ 0 => '{{Short description|Freshwater fish native to Thailand}}', 1 => '{{Other uses|Siamese fighting fish (disambiguation)}}', 2 => '{{Speciesbox', 3 => '| image = HM_Orange_M_Sarawut.jpg', 4 => '| image_caption = Halfmoon male displaying his flared opercula', 5 => '| status = VU ', 6 => '| status_system = IUCN3.1', 7 => '| status_ref = <ref name = IUCN>{{cite iucn | author = Vidthayanon, C. | year = 2011 | title = ''Betta splendens.'' | volume = 2019 | page = e.T180889A7653828 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T180889A7653828.en }}</ref>', 8 => '| taxon = Betta splendens', 9 => '| authority = [[Charles Tate Regan|Regan]], 1910', 10 => '}}', 11 => '', 12 => 'The '''Siamese fighting fish''' (''Betta splendens''), also known as the '''betta''', is a [[freshwater fish]] native to [[Thailand]] (formerly [[Siam]]), with a natural range extending into neighboring [[Cambodia]], [[Laos]], [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], and [[Vietnam]]. While colloquially known and marketed as the "betta", it is one of 73 [[species]] comprising the [[genus]] ''[[Betta]].'' Siamese fighting fish are among the most popular and widely available [[aquarium fish]] in the world, due to their varied and vibrant colour, diverse [[Morphology (biology)|morphology]], and relatively low maintenance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fish Identification|url=http://www.fishbase.org/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Betta|access-date=2020-11-13|website=www.fishbase.org}}</ref><ref>Adisorn Monvises, Bunlung Nuangsaeng, Namkang Sriwattanarothai, Bhinyo Panijpan, ''[http://www.scienceasia.org/2009.35.n1/scias35_8.pdf The Siamese fighting fish: Well-known generally but little-known scientifically],'' Institute for Innovation and Development of Learning Process, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand</ref> ', 13 => '', 14 => 'Originating in Thailand's [[Chao Phraya river|Chao Phraya river basin]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://repository.seafdec.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12066/5516/Siamese-fighting-fish.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|title=Capacitating the Local Farmers to Enhance Global Marketing of Thailand’s National Aquatic Animal, the Siamese Fighting Fish|access-date=March 25, 2021}}</ref>, bettas were discovered in the still or slow moving waters of canals, rice paddies and floodplains, where they are still found; they have been kept and bred since at least the mid-19th century, and possibly much earlier.<ref name="FishBase">{{FishBase|genus=Betta|species=splendens|month=February|year=2014}}</ref> Their famously vibrant colours, large and flowy fins, and aggressive behaviour are the result of generations of intensive [[Selective breeding|artificial selection]], for which they are sometimes known as "designer fish of the aquatic world".<ref>[https://www.ibcbettas.org/about-betta-splendens/ About ''Betta splendens''] International Betta Congress.</ref>', 15 => '', 16 => 'Bettas are well known for being highly territorial, with males prone to attacking each other if housed in the same tank; without a means of escape, this will usually result in the death of one or both fish. Female bettas can also become territorial towards one other in confined spaces.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Guidelines released for keeping Fighters|language=en-US|work=Practical Fishkeeping Magazine|url=http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/news2014/guidelines-released-for-keeping-fighters|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref> Bettas are exceptionally tolerant of low oxygen levels and poor water quality, owing to their special [[Anabantoidei|labyrinth organ]], a characteristic unique to the suborder ''[[Anabantoidei]]'' that allows for the intake of surface air.<ref>{{Cite web|last=October 2019|first=Jeremy Rehm-Live Science Contributor 04|title=Betta Fish: The Dazzling Siamese Fighting Fish|url=https://www.livescience.com/betta-fish.html|access-date=2020-11-13|website=livescience.com|language=en}}</ref>', 17 => '', 18 => 'In addition to its worldwide popularity, the Siamese fighting fish is the [[national aquatic animal]] of Thailand,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1624026/siamese-fighting-fish-confirmed-as-national-aquatic-animal |title=Siamese fighting fish confirmed as national aquatic animal |last=Limited |first=Bangkok Post Public Company |website=bangkokpost.com |access-date=29 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/thailand-makes-siamese-fighting-fish-national-aquatic-animal-119020500774_1.html |title=Thailand makes Siamese fighting fish national aquatic animal |last=AFP |date=2019-02-05 |website=Business Standard India |access-date=29 July 2019}}</ref> which remains the primary breeder and exporter of bettas for the global aquarium market. Despite their abundance as pets, ''B. splendens'' is listed as "[[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]]" by the [[IUCN]], due to increasing pollution and [[habitat destruction]].', 19 => '', 20 => '==Etymology ==', 21 => 'Outside Southeast Asia, the name "betta" is used specifically to describe ''B. splendens,'' despite the term scientifically applying to the entire genus, which includes ''B. splendens'' and at least 72 other species. ''Betta splendens'' is more accurately called by its [[Binomial nomenclature|scientific name]] or "Siamese fighting fish" to avoid confusion with the other members of the genus.', 22 => '', 23 => 'English-speakers sometimes mispronounce betta as "bay-tuh", after the [[Beta (Greek letter)|second letter]] in the Greek alphabet. However, it is believed the name is derived from the [[Malay language|Malay]] word ''ikan betta'', with ''ikan'' meaning "fish" and ''bettah'' referring to an ancient warrior tribe, which is pronounced "bet-tah".<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Fascinating Origin of Betta Fish and Other Fun Betta Facts|url=https://www.aqueon.com/articles/origin-of-betta-fish-and-facts|access-date=2020-11-14|website=www.aqueon.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">Dr. Martin Brannah, ''The Betta Bible'', '''p. 16'''.</ref>', 24 => '', 25 => 'Another vernacular name for Siamese fighting fish is ''plakat'', often applied to the short-finned ornamental strains, which is derived from the Thai word ''pla kat'' (Thai: ปลากัด), which literally means "biting fish". This name is used in Thailand for all members of the ''Betta'' genus, which share similar aggressive tendencies, rather than for any specific strain of the Siamese fighting fish. Thus, the term "fighting fish" is used to generalize all ''Betta'' species besides the Siamese fighting fish.<ref>{{cite web|title=Betta splendens – Siamese Fighting Fish (Micracanthus marchei)|url=http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/betta-splendens/|access-date=1 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Betta Fish Information; Plakats, Veiltails, Halfmoon, Crowntail|url=http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Bettas.html|access-date=1 April 2019|website=Americanaquariumproducts.com}}</ref>', 26 => '', 27 => 'Siamese fighting fish were originally given the scientific name ''Macropodus pugnax'' in 1849—literally "aggressive fish with big feet", likely in reference to their elongated pelvic fins.<ref name=":12" /> In 1897 they were identified with the genus ''Betta'' and became known as ''Betta pugnax'', referring to their aggressiveness. In 1909, the species was finally renamed ''Betta splendens'' upon the discovery that an existing species was already named ''pugnax''.<ref name=":12" />', 28 => '', 29 => '==Description==', 30 => '''B. splendens'' usually grows to a length of about {{convert|6-8|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=FishBase/> Although aquarium specimens are widely known for their brilliant colours and large, flowing fins, the natural coloration of ''B. splendens'' is generally green, brown and grey, while the [[fin]]s are short; wild fish exhibit strong colours only when agitated. In captivity, Siamese fighting fish have been selectively bred to display a vibrant array of colours and tail types.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://bubblesandbettas.blogspot.com/p/betta-breeds-tail-types.html |title=Bubbles & Bettas: Tail Types and Patterns |website=Bubbles & Bettas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122004019/http://bubblesandbettas.blogspot.com/p/betta-breeds-tail-types.html |archive-date=2016-11-22 |access-date=2017-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ramos|first1=A.|last2=Gonçalves|first2=D.|date=2019-08-08|title=Artificial selection for male winners in the Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens correlates with high female aggression|url=https://doi.org/10.1186/s12983-019-0333-x|journal=Frontiers in Zoology|volume=16|issue=1|pages=34|doi=10.1186/s12983-019-0333-x|issn=1742-9994|pmc=6686523|pmid=31406496}}</ref>', 31 => '', 32 => '== Distribution and habitat ==', 33 => 'Siamese fighting fish are [[Endemism|endemic]] to Thailand, specifically the [[Chao Phraya River|Chao Phraya river basin]] that spans much of the country's centre; however, their natural range extends throughout the [[Mekong|Mekong river basin]], including Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|last=ibcadmin|title=About Betta splendens – International Betta Congress|url=https://www.ibcbettas.org/about-betta-splendens/|access-date=2020-11-20|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":14">Dr. Martin Brammah, ''The Betta Bible,'' '''p. 26'''</ref> They are also found throughout the neighboring [[Malay Peninsula]] and in adjacent parts of [[Sumatra]], likely due to human introduction.<ref name=":13" /> The betta's worldwide popularity has led to its release and establishment in similarly tropical areas, including southeast Australia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, southeast United States, and Singapore.<ref name=":14" />', 34 => '', 35 => 'Wherever they are found, Siamese fighting fish generally inhabit shallow bodies of water with abundant vegetation, including [[marsh]]es, [[Floodplain|floodplains]], and [[paddy field]]s.<ref name=":1" /> The historic prevalence of [[Rice|rice farming]] across Southeast Asia, which provided an ideal habitat for bettas, led to their discovery and subsequent domestication by humans.<ref name=":14" /> The combination of shallow water and high air temperature causes gases to rapidly evaporate, leading to a significant deficit of oxygen in the betta's natural habitat.<ref name=":14" /> This environment likely led to the evolution of the lung-like [[Anabantoidei|labyrinth organ]], which allows Siamese fighting fish—like all members of the [[Anabantoidei|suborder Anabantoidei]]—to breathe directly from the air. Subsequently, bettas can live and even thrive in harsher environments than other freshwater fish, which in turn leaves them with fewer natural predators and competitors.<ref name=":15">Dr. Martin Brammah, ''The Betta Bible,'' '''p. 27'''.</ref>', 36 => '', 37 => 'The tropical climate of the betta's natural habitat is characterised by sudden and extreme fluctuations in water availability, chemistry, and temperature.<ref name=":15" /> Water [[PH|pH]] can range from slightly acidic (pH 6.9) to highly alkaline (pH 8.2), while air temperatures drop as low as 15°C (59°F) and rise as high as 40°C (100°F).<ref name=":15" /> Consequently, Siamese fighting fish are highly adaptable and durable, able to tolerate a variety of harsh or toxic environments; this accounts for their popularity as pets, as well as their ability to successfully colonise bodies of water all over the world.<ref name=":16">Dr. Martin Brammah, ''The Betta Bible,'' '''p. 28'''.</ref>', 38 => '', 39 => 'Wild bettas prefer to live in bodies of water teeming with aquatic vegetation and surface foliage, such as fallen leaves and [[Nymphaeaceae|water lilies]].<ref name=":15" /> The abundance of plants provides security from predators and a buffer between aggressive males, who coexist by claiming dense sections of plants as territory.<ref name=":16" /> Such vegetation also offers protection to females during spawning and to [[Juvenile fish|fry]] during their earliest and most vulnerable stages.<ref name=":16" />', 40 => '', 41 => '=== Conservation status ===', 42 => 'Due to their popularity, Siamese fighting fish are highly abundant in captivity. However, wild specimens are categorised by the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]] as [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]], indicating the species is likely to become [[Endangered species|endangered]] without conservation efforts.<ref name=":1">{{Cite iucn|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/details/180889/0|title=Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish)|access-date=2018-03-15}}</ref> The primary threats are habitat destruction and pollution, caused by urban and agricultural development across central Thailand.<ref name=":1" />', 43 => '', 44 => '==Diet==', 45 => '''Betta splendens'' is naturally [[Carnivore|carnivorous]], feeding on [[zooplankton]], small [[crustacean]]s, and the [[larva]]e of aquatic insects such as [[mosquito]]es. Contrary to some marketing materials in the pet trade, bettas cannot subsist solely on vegetation or the roots of plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bettatalk.com/food.htm |title=betta food |website=Bettatalk.com |access-date=2012-08-01}}</ref> ', 46 => '', 47 => 'Bettas can be fed a varied diet of pellets, flakes, or frozen foods like [[brine shrimp]], [[Glycera (genus)|bloodworms]], [[daphnia]] and many others. Due to their short digestive tracts—a characteristic of most [[Carnivore|carnivores]]—bettas have difficulty processing carbohydrates such as corn and wheat, which are commonly used as fillers in many commercial fish foods.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Best Betta Fish Food {{!}} What to Feed & How Much|url=https://bettafish.org/care/food-feeding/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Bettafish.org|language=en-US}}</ref> Thus, regardless of the source, a proper betta diet should consist mostly of animal protein.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Your Betta Needs More Than a Bowl - Veterinary Medicine at Illinois|url=https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/betta-fish/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine|language=en-US}}</ref> ', 48 => '', 49 => 'Bettas are susceptible to overfeeding, which can lead to obesity, constipation, swim bladder disease, and other health problems; excessive food may also pollute the water. It is generally advised to feed bettas at least once daily, with only the amount of food it can eat within 3–5 minutes; leftover food should be removed.<ref name=":2" /> ', 50 => 'Some sources recommend that bettas undergo a "fast" for at least one day to allow food to be fully processed.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Best Betta Fish Food {{!}} What to Feed & How Much|url=https://bettafish.org/care/food-feeding/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Bettafish.org|language=en-US}}</ref> Bettas can go up to two weeks without eating, and it is not uncommon for them to have no appetite for one or two days, especially following stressful episodes such as a water change or being introduced into a new tank.<ref name=":3" />', 51 => '', 52 => '==Reproduction and early development==', 53 => 'If interested in a female, male bettas will flare their gills, spread their fins and twist their bodies in a dance-like performance. Receptive females will respond by darkening in color and developing vertical lines known as "breeding bars". Males build [[bubble nest]]s of various sizes and thicknesses at the surface of the water, which interest females may examine. Most do this regularly even if there is no female present.', 54 => '', 55 => 'Plants or rocks that break the surface often form a base for bubble nests. The act of spawning itself is called a "nuptial embrace", for the male wraps his body around the female; around 10–40 eggs are released during each embrace, until the female is exhausted of eggs. With each deposit of eggs the male releases [[milt]] into the water, and fertilization takes place externally. During and after spawning, the male uses his mouth to retrieve sinking eggs and place them in the bubble nest; during mating some females assist their partner, but more often will simply devour all the eggs she manages to catch. Once the female has released all of her eggs, she is chased away from the male's territory, as she will likely eat the eggs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.leaffin.com/betta-fish-breeding/|title=Betta Fish Spawn: Guide from Preparing Breeding Tank to Feeding the Fry|date=8 November 2017|website=Leaffin.com|access-date=1 April 2019}}</ref> If she is not removed from the tank she will most likely be killed by the male.', 56 => '', 57 => 'The eggs remain in the male's care. He carefully keeps them in his bubble nest, making sure none fall to the bottom, repairing the bubble nest as needed. Incubation lasts for 24–36 hours; newly hatched larvae remain in the nest for the next two to three days until their yolk sacs are fully absorbed. Afterwards, the fry leave the nest and the free-swimming stage begins. In this first period of their lives, ''B. splendens'' fry are totally dependent on their gills; the [[labyrinth organ]], which allows the species to breathe atmospheric oxygen, typically develops at three to six weeks of age, depending on the general growth rate, which can be highly variable. ''B. splendens'' can reach sexual maturity in as early as 4–5 months.', 58 => '', 59 => '<gallery widths="200" heights="200">', 60 => 'File:Betta spawning.jpg|A pair spawning under a bubble nest in a breeder's tank.', 61 => 'File:Betta fry.jpg|A 15-day-old, free-swimming fry is infected with ''Piscindoinium sp.'' ([[Velvet (fish disease)|velvet]]), a common killer of betta fry in captivity.', 62 => 'File:Betta fry in bubble nest.jpg|One-day-old fry (their yolk sacs have not yet been absorbed) in a bubble nest.', 63 => 'File:Betta with BubbleNest.jpg|Betta male building a bubble nest.', 64 => '</gallery>', 65 => '', 66 => '==History==', 67 => 'Information on precisely how and when Khmer fighting fish were first domesticated and brought out of Asia is sparse.<ref name=":10">Martin Brammah, ''The Betta Bible'', '''pp. 29-30'''.</ref>', 68 => '', 69 => '===Fighting fish===', 70 => 'Some people in [[Cambodia]] and [[Thailand]] are known to have collected wild bettas at least by the 19th century, observing their aggressive nature and pitting them against each other in gambling matches akin to [[Cockfight|cockfights]]. In the wild, betta spar for only a few minutes before one fish retreats; domesticated betta, bred specifically for heightened aggression, can engage for much longer, with winners determined by a willingness to continue fighting; once a fish retreats, the match is over. Fights to the death were rare, so bets were placed on the bravery of the fish rather than its survival.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Betta Fish {{!}} Advocating For Proper Care & Information|url=https://bettafish.org/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Bettafish.org|language=en-US}}</ref>', 71 => '', 72 => 'The popularity of these fights garnered the attention of king [[Cheyvoman]] of Cambodia, who regulated and taxed the matches, and collected fighting fish of his own. In 1840, he gave some of his prized fish to Danish physician [[Theodore Edward Cantor]], who worked in the Bengal medical service.<ref name=":10" /> Nine years later, Cantor published the first recorded article describing these fish, giving them the name ''Macropodus pugnax''. In 1909, British [[Ichthyology|ichthyologist]] [[Charles Tate Regan]] found there was a related species already named ''[[Macropodus pugnax]]'', and thus renamed the domesticated Siamese fighting fish, ''Betta splendens,'' or "splendid fighter".<ref>{{cite web|title=Betta Origins|url=http://www.bettafishcenter.com/Betta-Origins.shtml|publisher=Betta Fish Center|access-date=11 June 2011}}</ref>', 73 => '', 74 => '===Aquarium fish===', 75 => '''Betta splendens'' first entered the Western aquarium trade in the late 19th century; the earliest known arrival is 1874 in France, when French aquaria expert and ichthyologist [[Pierre Carbonnier]] began importing and breeding several specimens. In 1896, German tropical fish expert [[Paul Matte]] brought the first specimens into Germany from Moscow, most likely from the strain developed by Carbonnier.<ref name=":10" /> This indicates bettas were already somewhat established in France and Russia by the turn of the 20th century. Fighting fish were also present in Australia by 1904, based on an article written by British-born zoologist [[Edgar Ravenswood Waite]] and published by the [[Australian Museum]] in Sydney.<ref name=":10" /> Waite indicates that Australian specimens were brought from [[Penang|Penang, Malaysia]], near the border with Thailand.<ref name=":10" /> He also makes reference to two articles about "fighting fish" published by Carbonnier in 1874 and 1881. Bettas may have first entered the United States in 1910, via importers in California; there is also evidence they were imported in 1927 from Cambodia.<ref name=":10" />', 76 => '', 77 => 'While it is unclear when bettas became popular in the aquarium trade, the early 20th century marked the first known departure from centuries of breeding bettas for aggression, to instead selecting for color, finnage, and overall beauty for ornamental purposes.<ref name=":10" /> In 1927, an article was published in Germany describing the long, flowing fins of the "veiltail" breed, which indicates an emphasis on aesthetic beauty.<ref>Martin Brammah, ''The Betta Bible'', '''p. 31'''.</ref> In the 1950s, an American breeder created a larger and longer-finned veiltail, while around 1960, Indian breeders discovered a genetic mutation that allowed for two caudal fins, producing the "doubletail" variety. Within that decade, a German breeder created the "deltatail" characterized by its broader, triangular fins.<ref name=":11">Martin Brammah, ''The Betta Bible'', '''p. 31-32.'''</ref> ', 78 => '', 79 => 'In 1967, a group of betta breeders formed the International Betta Congress (IBC), the first formal interest group dedicated to Siamese fighting fish. The IBC aimed to breed varieties that would be healthier and more symmetrical in fins and body shape, with an emphasis on [[animal welfare]].<ref name=":11" />', 80 => '', 81 => '===Invasive species===', 82 => 'In January 2014, a large population of bettas was discovered in the [[Adelaide River]] Floodplain in the [[Northern Territory|Northern Territory, Australia]].<ref name=fishes>{{cite web|last1=Bray|first1=Dianne|title=Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta splendens|url=http://www.fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/4919#summary|website=Fishes of Australia|access-date=29 September 2014}}</ref> As an invasive species they pose a threat to native fish, frogs and other wetland wildlife.<ref name=fishes /> Bettas have also become established in subtropical areas of the United States, namely southern Texas and Florida, although an assessment by the [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service|U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]] determined they were no threat to natural ecosystems.<ref>[https://www.fws.gov/injuriouswildlife/pdf_files/Betta_splendens_WEB_9-15-14.pdf Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens) Ecological Risk Screening Summary]</ref>', 83 => '', 84 => '==In the aquarium==', 85 => '=== Water ===', 86 => 'As tropical fish, bettas prefer a water temperature of around {{convert|75|–|82|F|C}}, but have been observed surviving temporarily at extremes of {{convert|56|F|C}} to {{convert|95|F|C}}. When kept in colder climates, aquarium heaters are recommended, as colder water weakens their immune system and makes them susceptible to certain diseases.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://theaquarium.club/water-temperature-for-betta-fish/|title=Ideal Water Temperature for Betta Fish {{!}} The Aquarium Club|website=Theaquarium.club|language=en-US|access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref>', 87 => '', 88 => 'Bettas are also affected by the [[pH]] of the water: a neutral pH of 7.0 is ideal, but slightly higher levels are tolerable.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Betta water|url = http://www.bettatalk.com/water.htm|website =Bettatalk.com|access-date = 2015-10-05}}</ref> Due to their [[labyrinth organ]], bettas can endure low oxygen levels, but cannot survive for long in unmaintained aquaria, as poor water quality makes all tropical fish more susceptible to diseases like [[fin rot]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Caller |first=Steven |url=http://mybettafish.co.uk/category/betta-fish-introduction/ |title=Betta Fish Introduction |publisher=My Betta Fish |access-date=2012-08-01}}</ref> Thus, notwithstanding the betta's well known tolerance of still water, a mechanical filter is considered necessary for their long-term health and longevity.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Betta Fish Care Sheet & Supplies {{!}} PetSmart|url=https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/fish-care/betta-fish-care-guide/A0188.html#:~:text=Bettas%20need%20an%20aquarium%20with,one%20day%20before%20they%20arrive.&text=The%20minimum%20size%20of%20the,a%20minimum%20of%203%20gallons.|access-date=2020-11-17|website=www.petsmart.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">[https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/caresheets/betta.html Betta Fish Care]. ''Petco''</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Betta Fish Are Suffering by the Millions|url=https://headlines.peta.org/petco-betta-fish/|access-date=2020-11-17|website=PETA Headlines|language=en-US}}</ref> Similarly, live aquatic plants provide a supplemental source of filtration, in addition to crucial enrichment to the betta.<ref name=":6" />', 89 => '', 90 => '=== Aquarium size and cohabitants ===', 91 => 'Despite frequently being displayed and sold in small containers in the pet trade, bettas do best in larger environments; while they can survive in cups, bowls, and other confined spaces, they will generally be happier, healthier, and longer-lived in a larger surface area.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Your Betta Needs More Than a Bowl - Veterinary Medicine at Illinois|url=https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/betta-fish/|access-date=2020-11-15|website=University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> Although some betta enthusiasts claim there is a minimum tank size, determining a strict baseline is somewhat arbitrary and subject to debate.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-03-26|title=AMAZONAS Videos: Bettas in the Wild - What They Tell Us About Tank Size|url=https://www.reef2rainforest.com/2014/03/26/amazonas-videos-bettas-in-the-wild-what-they-tell-us-about-minimum-tank-sizes-for-bettas/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Reef To Rainforest Media, LLC {{!}} CORAL Magazine {{!}} Microcosm Publishing|language=en-US}}</ref> The general consensus is that the ideal tank should be no less than 9–19 litres (3–5 [[US gallons]]), though a tank of just 4 litres (1 gallon) can also suffice if it is cleaned regularly—at least every other day for small, unfiltered tanks—and maintained at an acceptable temperature of 24–26°C (75–78°F).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Betta Pals Betta Guide|last=Gordon|first=H}}</ref> ', 92 => '', 93 => 'Although males bettas are solitary and aggressive towards one another, they can generally cohabit with many types of fish if there is adequate space and hiding places. However, compatibility varies based on the temperament of the individual betta, and it is advised to carefully supervise the betta's interaction with other fish. Tankmates must be tropical, communal, and nonterritorial; coldwater fish like [[goldfish]] have incompatible temperature requirements, while aggressive and predatory fish are likely to nip at the betta's fins or erode their slime coat.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Robert|date=2019-07-05|title=50 Betta Fish Tank Mates: The Definitive Compatibility List 2020|url=https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/betta-tank-mates/|access-date=2020-11-16|website=Fishkeeping World|language=en-US}}</ref> Species that [[Shoaling and schooling|shoal]], such as [[Tetra|tetras]] and [[Danio|danios]], are considered most ideal, since they usually keep to themselves and can endure the territorial nature of bettas with their numbers.<ref name=":4" /> Brightly coloured fish with large fins, such as [[Guppies|male guppies]], should be avoided, as they may invite fin nipping by the male betta. Potential tankmates should usually be added before the male betta so they can establish their respective territories beforehand, rather than compete with the betta.', 94 => '', 95 => 'Female bettas are less aggressive and territorial than males, and thus can live with a greater variety of fish; for example, brightly coloured or large-finned fish will not usually disturb a female. Generally, female fighting fish can also tolerate larger or more numerous tankmates than males.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=10 Safe Betta Fish Tank Mates & Companions|url=https://bettafish.org/betta-fish-tank-mates/|access-date=2020-11-16|website=Bettafish.org|language=en-US}}</ref> However, like male bettas, a female's tolerance of other fish will vary by individual temperament. ', 96 => '', 97 => 'It is not recommended to keep male and female bettas together, except temporarily for breeding purposes, which should always be undertaken with caution and supervision.', 98 => '', 99 => '=== Setup ===', 100 => 'Bettas are fairly intelligent and inquisitive, and thus require stimulation; otherwise they can become bored and depressed, leading to lethargy and a weaker immune system.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Betta Fish Are Suffering by the Millions|url=https://headlines.peta.org/petco-betta-fish/|access-date=2020-11-17|website=PETA Headlines|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Fish are not office decorations|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-fish-are-not-office-decorations/|access-date=2020-11-17}}</ref> Decorations such as plastic or live plants, rocks, caves, driftwood, and other ornaments provide crucial enrichment—provided they do not have rough textures or jagged edges, which can damage the delicate fins. In the wild, Siamese fighting fish spend most of their time concealing themselves under floating debris or overhanging plants to avoid potential predators.<ref name=":8">[http://www.bettaboxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/bettaboxx-5-tips-to-improve-the-look-of-your-aquarium.pdf 5 Tips to Improve the Look of Your Betta Aquarium]. ''Bettaboxx''.</ref> Floating plants and leaves can help bettas feel more secure, while also giving males an anchor from which to build their bubble nests.<ref name=":8" /> Abundant vegetation of any kind is generally recommended to provide maximum security and to cater to the betta's instinct to claim protective territory.', 101 => '', 102 => '[[Terminalia catappa|Indian almond leaves]] are increasingly popular for providing something closer to the natural foliage under which bettas would hide in the wild. Their [[Tannin|tannins]] allegedly confer several health benefits,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-28|title=All About Indian Almond Leaves For Betta Fish|url=https://bettasource.com/indian-almond-leaves-for-betta-fish/|access-date=2020-11-17|website=Betta Source|language=en-US}}</ref> including treating certain ailments like fin rot and bladder disease, and stabilizing the pH of the water.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mari|date=2014-06-01|title=Indian Almond Leaves {{!}} How and when to use them!|url=https://www.aquariadise.com/indian-almond-leaves/|access-date=2020-11-17|website=Aquariadise|language=en-US}}</ref>', 103 => '', 104 => '=== Health and wellness ===', 105 => 'When properly kept and fed a correct diet, Siamese fighting fish generally live between three and five years in captivity, though in rare cases may live as long as seven to ten years.<ref>Martin Brammah. ''The Betta Bible: The Art and Science of Keeping Bettas'', '''pp. 23-24'''.</ref> One study found that bettas kept in tanks of several gallons and provided with proper nutrition and "exercise"—in the form of being chased around by a stick for a short period—lived over nine years; by contrast, a control group of bettas confined to small jars lived far fewer years.<ref>Martin Brammah. ''The Betta Bible: The Art and Science of Keeping Bettas'', '''pp. 23-24''' (citing Walt Maurus, ''A Complete Guide to Bettas'')</ref> A larger tank with proper filtration, regular maintenance, and an abundance of decor and hiding spaces, along with a rich, protein-based diet, increases the likelihood of a long lifepsan.', 106 => '', 107 => 'Like all tropical fish in captivity, bettas are susceptible to several kinds of diseases, usually caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections. Most illnesses result from poor water quality and cold water, both of which weaken the immune system.<ref>Martin Brammah. ''The Betta Bible: The Art and Science of Keeping Bettas'', '''pp. 306-313'''.</ref> The four most common illnesses are white spot, velvet, fin rot, and dropsy; with the exception of the latter, which is incurable, these ailments can be treated with a combination of over-the-counter fish medication, increased water temperature, and/or regular water changes.<ref>Martin Brammah. ''The Betta Bible: The Art and Science of Keeping Bettas'', '''pp. 314-315'''.</ref>', 108 => '', 109 => '===Varieties===', 110 => 'Over a century of intensive [[selective breeding]] has produced a wide variety of colors and fin types, and breeders around the world continue to develop new varieties.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Robert|date=2019-05-22|title=Types of Betta Fish 2020: Which is the Perfect One for You?|url=https://www.fishkeepingworld.com/types-of-betta-fish/|access-date=2020-11-17|website=Fishkeeping World|language=en-US}}</ref> Often, the males of the species are sold preferentially in stores because of their beauty relative to the females, which almost never develop fins or vibrant colours as showy as their male counterparts; however, some breeders claim to have produced females with fairly long fins and bright colours.', 111 => '', 112 => '''Betta splendens'' can be hybridized with [[Betta imbellis|''B. imbellis'']], ''[[Betta mahachaiensis|B. mahachaiensis]]'', and [[Betta smaragdina|''B. smaragdina'']], though with the latter, the fry tend to have low survival rates. In addition to these hybrids within the genus ''Betta'', intergeneric hybridization of ''Betta splendens'' and ''Macropodus opercularis'', the paradise fish, has been reported.<ref>{{cite web|title=Betta Splendens & Siamese Fighting Fish|url=http://eol.org/pages/211488/hierarchy_entries/57957257/details|access-date=1 April 2019}}</ref>', 113 => '', 114 => '===Colors===', 115 => '<!--''B. splendens'' have been affectionately nicknamed "the Jewel of the Orient" due to their beauty and wide range of colours which are produced through [[selective breeding]].', 116 => '-->', 117 => '[[File:Betta fish.jpg|thumb|A male betta]]', 118 => 'Wild bettas exhibit strong colours only when agitated. Over the centuries, breeders have been able to make this coloration permanent, and a wide variety of hues [[true breeding organism|breed true]]. Colours among captive bettas include red, orange, yellow, blue, steel blue, turquoise/green, black, pastel, opaque white, and multi-coloured.', 119 => '', 120 => 'The betta's diverse colours are due to different layers of [[pigmentation]] in their skin. The layers, from deepest within to the outermost,, consists of red, yellow, black, iridescent (blue and green), and metallic (not a colour itself, but reacts with the other colours). Any combination of these layers can be present, leading to a wide variety of colours within and among bettas.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Griffin |first=Gerald |date=January 2016 |title=Betta Primer |journal=Amazonas }}</ref>', 121 => ' ', 122 => 'The shades of blue, turquoise, and green are slightly [[iridescence|iridescent]], and can appear to change colour with different lighting conditions or viewing angles; this is because these colours (unlike black or red) are not due to [[biological pigment|pigments]], but created through refraction within a layer of translucent [[guanine]] crystals. Breeders have also developed different colour patterns such as marble and butterfly, as well as metallic shades like copper, gold, or platinum, which were obtained by crossing ''B. splendens'' to other ''Betta'' species).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bettysplendens.com/metallics-and-masked.html|title=Metallics and Masked|work=Betty<br />Splendens.<br />com}}</ref>', 123 => '', 124 => 'Some bettas will change colours throughout their lifetime, a process known as marbling, which is attributed to a [[Transposable element|transposon]], in which a DNA sequence can change its position within a genome, thereby altering a cell.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Archived copy|url=http://www.ibcbettas.org/2012/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IBC%20TA%20Articles/CS-02.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022180646/http://www.ibcbettas.org/2012/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/IBC%20TA%20Articles/CS-02.pdf|archive-date=2014-10-22|access-date=2014-10-22}}</ref> Koi bettas have mutated over time and in some case change colours or patterns throughout their lifetime (known as true Koi), due to the defective gene that causes marbling not being repaired in the color layers after some time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://worldbettas.com/koi-vs-marble-betta/|title=Koi vs Marble Betta|date=2 May 2018|website=Worldbettas.com|access-date=1 April 2019}}</ref>[[File:Betta half moon.jpg|thumb|Halfmoon betta male]]', 125 => ''''Common colours:'''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Colors & Patterns|url=http://bettasource.com/bettas/colors/|access-date=2015-10-04|website=Bettasource.com}}</ref>', 126 => '', 127 => '* Super Red', 128 => '* Super Blue', 129 => '* Super Yellow', 130 => '* Opaque', 131 => '* Super Black', 132 => '* Super White', 133 => '* Orange', 134 => '* Marble', 135 => '* Candy', 136 => '* Nemo', 137 => '* Galaxy Nemo', 138 => '* Koi', 139 => '* Alien', 140 => '* Copper', 141 => '* Cellophane', 142 => '* Gold', 143 => '* Galaxy Koi', 144 => '', 145 => '[[File:HM Orange M Sarawut.jpg|thumb|Dalmatian orange male]]', 146 => ''''Rarer colours''':<ref name=":0" />', 147 => '* Super Orange', 148 => '* Metallic', 149 => '* Turquoise', 150 => '* Lavender', 151 => '* Mustard Gas', 152 => '* Grizzle', 153 => '* Green', 154 => '[[File:Betta splendens male doubletail.jpg|thumb|Metallic Doubletail male]]', 155 => ''''Colour patterns:'''<ref name=":0" />', 156 => '', 157 => '{{Columns-list|*Solid – Entire fish is one colour with no variations', 158 => '*Bi-colour – Fins must be a different colour to the body to be a Bi-colour.', 159 => '*Cambodian – Body is pale, almost colourless, and fins are a solid colour', 160 => '*Butterfly – Fins have distinct bands of colours', 161 => '*Marble – Irregular patterns throughout body and fin', 162 => '*Piebald – Pale flesh-coloured face irrespective of *body colour.', 163 => '*Full Mask – Face is same colour as body, rather than the natural pattern of being darker than the body', 164 => '*Dragon – Rich strong base colour with the scales on the main part of the body a pale iridescent', 165 => '*Multicolour – Three or more colours on the body that do not fit into any other pattern category', 166 => '*Pastel – Light shade of colour seen only on the fins, body remains a flesh hue', 167 => '*Koi – Judged from the top down and look like their carp counterparts. Patterns should be uniform with clean color defining lines.', 168 => '*Nemo – Either white based or orange based and have three or four main colours: Orange, red, yellow, black}}', 169 => '[[File:Betta splendens male crowntail.png|thumb|Crowntail male]]', 170 => '', 171 => '===Finnage variations===', 172 => 'Breeders have developed several different finnage and scale variations:<ref name=":0" />', 173 => '* Veiltail – Extended finnage length and non-symmetrical tail; caudal fin rays usually only split once; the most common tail type seen in pet stores.', 174 => '* Crowntail – Fin rays are extended well beyond the membrane and consequently the tail can take on the appearance of a crown; also called fringetail', 175 => '* Combtail – Less extended version of the crown tail, derived from breeding crown and another finnage type', 176 => '* Halfmoon – "D" shaped caudal fin that forms a 180° angle, the edges of the tail are crisp and straight', 177 => '* Over-Halfmoon or Super Delta Tail – Caudal fin exceeds 180° angle (a byproduct of trying to breed half-moons), which can sometimes cause problems because the fins are too big for the fish to swim properly<ref>{{cite web|title=Grundlegendes über die Fischgabel|url=http://fischbesteck24.de/gabel/|publisher=Fischbesteck24.de|language=de-DE}}</ref>', 178 => '* Rosetail – Variation with so much finnage that it overlaps and looks like a rose', 179 => '* Feather tail – Similar to the Rosetail, with a rougher appearance', 180 => '* Plakat – Short fins that resemble the fins seen in wild-type bettas', 181 => '* Halfmoon plakat – Short-finned Halfmoon; plakat and halfmoon cross', 182 => '* Double tail or Full-moon – Tail fin is duplicated into two lobes and the [[dorsal fin]] is significantly elongated, the two tails can show different levels of bifurcation depending on the individual', 183 => '* Delta tail – Tail spread less than that of a Halfmoon (less than 180°)', 184 => '* Super Delta (aka SD or SDT) – Enhanced version of the Delta; one step closer to the Halfmoon variety in that their tails have a span between 130 -170 degrees', 185 => '* Half-Sun – Combtail with caudal fin going 180°, like a half-moon', 186 => '* Elephant Ear – Pectoral fins are much larger than normal, often white, resembling the ears of an elephant', 187 => '* Spade Tail – Caudal fin has a wide base that narrows to a small point', 188 => '<gallery widths="180" heights="180" perrow="5">', 189 => 'File:Betta splendens, female - 20080805.jpg|Purple and blue female.', 190 => 'File:Super Yellow PKHM from WorldBettas.jpg|Super Yellow Plakat Halfmoon male and female.', 191 => 'File:Cellophane BigEar Betta .jpg|Cellophane Big Ear male', 192 => 'File:Super Orange Betta by worldBettas.jpg|Super Orange female and male.', 193 => 'File:Yellow halfmoon Betta splendens.jpg|Yellow Halfmoon', 194 => 'File:Betta splendens,white.jpg|White Rosetail male', 195 => '</gallery>', 196 => '', 197 => '==Behaviour and intelligence==', 198 => '[[File:Betta Fighting Reflection.JPG|thumb|right|A male attacking and flaring at his reflection in a mirror]]', 199 => 'Siamese fighting fish display complex behavioural patterns and social interactions, which vary among individual specimens.<ref>{{Cite web|title=betta|url=https://science.umd.edu/biology/soareslab/betta.html#:~:text=For%20example,%20many%20male%20species,display%20behavior%20is%20well%20documented.&text=Males%20will%20fight%20with%20each,the%20death,%20to%20establish%20territories.|access-date=2020-11-17|website=science.umd.edu}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Pennisi|first=Elizabeth|date=2020-06-17|title=Fighting fish synchronize their moves—and their genes|url=https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/06/fighting-fish-synchronize-their-moves-and-their-genes|access-date=2020-11-17|website=Science {{!}} AAAS|language=en}}</ref> Research indicates they are capable of [[associative learning]], in which they adopt a consistent response following exposure to new stimuli.<ref name=":9" /> These characteristics have made bettas subject to intensive study by [[ethology|ethologists]], [[Neurology|neurologists]], and [[comparative psychology|comparative psychologists]].<ref>{{cite journal|author=Bronstein, Paul M.|year=1998|title=Agonistic Sequences and the Assessment of Opponents in Male ''Betta splendens''|journal=American Journal of Psychology|volume=265|issue=2|pages=163–177|jstor=1422809}}</ref><ref>Clotfelter ED, O'Hare EP, McNitt MM, Carpenter RE, Summers CH. Serotonin decreases aggression via 5-HT1A receptors in the fighting fish Betta splendens. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2007;87(2):222–31. pmid:17553555</ref><ref>Clotfelter ED, McNitt MM, Carpenter RE, Summers CH. Modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters in fighting fish Betta splendens exposed to waterborne phytoestrogens. 2010:933–43.</ref> ', 200 => '', 201 => 'Males and females flare or puff out their [[operculum (fish)|gill cover]]s (opercula) to appear more impressive, either to intimidate other rivals or as an act of [[courtship]]. Flaring also occurs when they are intimidated by movement or a change of scene in their environments. Both sexes display pale horizontal bars if stressed or frightened. However, such colour changes, common in females of any age, are rare in mature males due to their intensity of colour. Females often flare at other females, especially when setting up a [[pecking order]]. [[Flirting]] fish behave similarly, with vertical instead of horizontal stripes indicating a willingness and readiness to breed. ', 202 => '', 203 => '''Betta splendens'' enjoy a decorated tank, as they seek to establish territory even when housed alone. They may set up a territory centered on a plant or rocky alcove, sometimes becoming highly possessive of it and aggressive toward trespassing rivals; consequently, bettas, if housed with other fish, require at least 45 litres (about 10 gallons). Contrary to popular belief, bettas are compatible with many other species of aquarium fish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aquariphiles.com/betta-tank-mates/ |title=7 Excellent Betta Tank Mates for Your Siamese Fighting Fish |access-date=2015-08-20}}</ref> Given the proper parameters bettas will only be aggressive towards smaller and slower fish than themselves, such as [[Guppy|guppies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earthsfriends.com/betta-fish-facts/ |title=Betta Fish Facts |website=Earthsfriends.com|access-date=2015-08-20}}</ref>', 204 => '', 205 => 'Betta aggression has historically made them objects of gambling; two male fish are pitted against each other to fight, with bets placed on which one will win. Combat is characterized by fin nipping, flared gills, extended fins, and intensified colour.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Siamese fighting fish {{!}} fish|url=https://www.britannica.com/animal/Siamese-fighting-fish|access-date=2020-11-15|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> The fight continues until one participant is submissive or tries to retreat; one or both fish may die depending on the seriousness of their injuries, though bettas rarely intend to fight to the death. To avoid fights over territory, male Siamese fighting fish are best isolated from one another. Males will occasionally respond aggressively even to their own reflections. Though this is obviously safer than exposing the fish to another male, prolonged sight of their reflection may lead to stress in some individuals. Not all Siamese fighting fish respond negatively to other males, especially if the tank is large enough for each fish to create their own designated territory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fishkeepingadvice.com/betta-fish-care/ |title=Complete Betta Fish Care Guide (Tank, Diet & Aggression) |access-date=2016-03-03}}</ref>', 206 => '===Aggression in females===', 207 => 'In general, studies have shown that females exhibit similar aggressive behaviours to males, albeit less frequently and intensely.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Elcoro|first1=Mirari|last2=Da Silva|first2=Stephanie|last3=Lattal|first3=Kennon|title=Visual Reinforcement in the Female Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens|journal= Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior|date=2008|volume=90|issue=1|pages=53–60|doi=10.1901/jeab.2008.90-53|pmid=18683612|pmc=2441580}}</ref> An [[observational study]] examined a group of female Siamese fighting fish over a period of two weeks, during which time they were recorded attacking, flaring, and biting food. This indicated that when females are housed in small groups, they form a stable dominance order, or "[[pecking order]]". For example, the fish ranked at the top showed higher levels of mutual displays, in comparison to the fish who were of lower ranks. The researchers also found that the duration of the displays differed depending on whether an attack occurred.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Elwood|first1=R.W.|last2=Rainey|first2=C.J.|title=Social Organization and Aggression Within Small Groups of Female Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens|journal=Aggressive Behavior|date=1983|volume=9|issue=4|pages=303–308|doi=10.1002/1098-2337(1983)9:4<303::aid-ab2480090404>3.0.co;2-5}}</ref> The results of this research suggest that female Siamese fighting fish warrant as much scientific study as males, as they seem to have variations in their behaviours as well.', 208 => '', 209 => '===Courtship behaviour===', 210 => 'There has been much research in the courtship behaviour between male and female Siamese fighting fish. Studies generally focus on the aggressive behaviours of males during the courtship process. For example, one study found that when male fish are in the bubble nest phase, their aggression toward females is quite low. This is due to the males attempting to attract potential mates to their nest, so eggs can successfully be laid.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite journal|last1=Forsatkar|first1=Mohammad|last2=Nematollahi|first2=Mohammad|last3=Bron|first3=Culum|title=Male Siamese Fighting Fish Use Gill Flaring As The First Display Towards Territorial Intruders|journal=Journal of Ethology|date=August 2016|doi=10.1007/s10164-016-0489-1|volume=35|pages=51–59|s2cid=34997965}}</ref> It has also been found that in determining a suitable mate, females often "eavesdrop" on pairs of males that are fighting. When a female witnesses aggressive behaviour between males, she is more likely to be attracted to the male who won. In contrast, if a female did not "eavesdrop" on a fight between males, she will show no preference in mate choice. In regards to the males, the "loser" is more likely to attempt to court the fish who did not "eavesdrop", while the "winner" showed no preference between females who “eavesdropped” and those who did not.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Herb|first1=Brodie M.|last2=Biron|first2=Suzanne A.|last3=Kidd|first3=Michael R.|title=Courtship By Subordinate Male Simease Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens: Their Response to Eavesdropping and Niave Females|journal=Behaviour|date=2003|volume=140|issue=1|pages=71–78|doi=10.1163/156853903763999908|jstor=4536011}}</ref>', 211 => '', 212 => 'One study considered the ways in which male Siamese fighting fish alter their behaviours during courtship when another male is present. During this experiment, a dummy female was placed in the tank. The researchers expected that males would conceal their courtship from intruders; instead, when another male fish was present, the male was more likely to engage in courtship behaviours with the dummy female fish. When no barriers were present, the males were more likely to engage in gill flaring at an intruder male fish. The researchers concluded that the male was attempting to court the female and communicate with its rival at the same time.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Dzieweczynski|first1=Teresa L.|last2=Lyman|first2=Sarah|last3=Poor|first3=Elysia A.|title=Male Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendens, Increase Rather Than Conceal Courtship Behaviour When a Rival is Present|journal=Ethology|date=2008|volume=115|issue=2|pages=186–195|doi=10.1111/j.1439-0310.2008.01602.x}}</ref> These results indicate the importance of considering courtship behaviour, as the literature has suggested there are many factors that can dramatically affect the ways in which both male and females can act in courtship settings.', 213 => '', 214 => '===Metabolic costs of aggression===', 215 => 'Studies have found that Siamese fighting fish often begin with behaviours that require high cost, and gradually decrease their behaviours as the encounter proceeds.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> This indicates that Siamese fighting fish will first begin an encounter using much metabolic energy, but will gradually decrease, as to not use too much energy, thus making the encounter a waste if the fish is not successful. Similarly, researchers have found that when pairs of male Siamese fighting fish were kept together in the same tank for a three-day period, aggressive behaviour was most prevalent during the mornings of the first two days of their cohabitation. However the researchers observed that the fighting between the two males decreased as the day progressed. The male in the dominant position initially had metabolic advantage; although as the experiment progressed, both fish became equal in regards to metabolic advantages.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Haller|first1=Jozesf|title=Biochemical Costs of a Three Day Long Cohabitation in Dominant and Submissive Male Betta Splenons|journal=Aggressive Behavior|date=1994|volume=20|issue=5|pages=369–378|doi=10.1002/1098-2337(1994)20:5<369::aid-ab2480200504>3.0.co;2-f}}</ref> In regards to oxygen consumption, one study found that when two male bettas fought, the metabolic rates of both fish did not differ before or during the fight. However, the fish who won showed higher oxygen consumption during the evening following the fight. This indicates that aggressive behaviour in the form of fighting has long-lasting effects on metabolism.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Castro|first1=Nidia|last2=Ros|first2=Albert F.H.|last3=Becker|first3=Klaus|last4=Oliveira|first4=Rui F.|title=Metabolic Costs of Aggressive Behaviour in the Siamese Fighting Fish, Betta Splendons|journal=Aggressive Behavior|date=2006|volume=32|issue=5|pages=474–480|doi=10.1002/ab.20147|hdl=10400.12/1283|hdl-access=free}}</ref>', 216 => '', 217 => '===Behavioural effects of chemical exposure===', 218 => 'Siamese fighting fish are popular models for studying the neurological and physiological impact of certain chemicals, such as [[Hormone|hormones]], since their aggression is the result of [[cell signaling]] and possibly genes.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Vu|first1=Trieu-Duc|last2=Iwasaki|first2=Yuki|last3=Shigenobu|first3=Shuji|last4=Maruko|first4=Akiko|last5=Oshima|first5=Kenshiro|last6=Iioka|first6=Erica|last7=Huang|first7=Chao-Li|last8=Abe|first8=Takashi|last9=Tamaki|first9=Satoshi|last10=Lin|first10=Yi-Wen|last11=Chen|first11=Chih-Kuan|date=2020-06-17|title=Behavioral and brain- transcriptomic synchronization between the two opponents of a fighting pair of the fish Betta splendens|url=https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1008831|journal=PLOS Genetics|language=en|volume=16|issue=6|pages=e1008831|doi=10.1371/journal.pgen.1008831|issn=1553-7404|pmc=7299326|pmid=32555673}}</ref>', 219 => '', 220 => 'One study investigated the effect of [[testosterone]] on female Siamese fighting fish. Females were given testosterone, which resulted in changes to fin length, body coloration and gonads that resembled typical male fish. Their aggressive behaviour was found to be elevated when interacting with other females, but reduced when interacting with males. The researchers then allowed the females to interact with a control group of unaltered females; when the female fish stopped receiving testosterone, those who were exposed to the normal females still exhibited male-typical behaviours. In contrast, the female fish who were kept isolated did not continue to exhibit the male typical behaviours after testosterone was discontinued.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Badura|first1=Lori L.|last2=Freidman|first2=Herbert|title=Sex Reversal in Female Betta Splendons as a Function of Testosterone Manipulation and Social Influence|journal=Journal of Comparative Psychology|date=1988|volume=102|issue=3|pages=262–268|doi=10.1037/0735-7036.102.3.262|pmid=3180734}}</ref>', 221 => '', 222 => 'Another study exposed male Siamese fighting fish to [[Endocrine disruptor|endocrine-disrupting chemicals]]. The researchers were curious if exposure to these chemicals would affect the ways in which females respond to the exposed males. It was found that when shown videos of the exposed males, the females favoured those who were not exposed to the endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and avoided those males that were exposed. The researchers concluded that exposure to these chemicals can negatively affect the mating success of male Siamese fighting fish.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Dzieeczynski|first1=Teresea L.|last2=Kane|first2=Jessica L.|title=The Bachorlette: Female Siamese Fighting Fish Avoid Males Exposed to an Estrogen Mimic|journal=Behavioural Processes |date=2017|volume=140|pages=169–173|doi=10.1016/j.beproc.2017.05.005|pmid=28478321|s2cid=5293321}}</ref>', 223 => '', 224 => 'A psychology study used male Siamese fighting fish to investigate the effects of [[fluoxetine]], an [[SSRI]] used primarily as an [[antidepressant]] in humans. Siamese fighting fish were selected as prime models due to having comparable serotonin transporter pathways, which accounts for their aggression. It was found that when exposed to fluoxetine, male Siamese fighting fish exhibited less aggressive behaviour than is characteristic of their species.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Eisenreich|first1=Benjamin|last2=Greene|first2=Susan|last3=Szalda-Petree|first3=Allen|title=Of Fish and Mirrors: Fluoxetine Disrupts Aggression and Learning For Social Rewards|journal=Physiology & Behavior|date=2017|volume=173|pages=258–262|doi=10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.02.021|pmid=28237550|s2cid=9855266}}</ref> Similarly, research has found that bettas are responsive to [[serotonin]],<ref>Clotfelter ED, O'Hare EP, McNitt MM, Carpenter RE, Summers CH. Serotonin decreases aggression via 5-HT1A receptors in the fighting fish Betta splendens. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2007;87(2):222–31. pmid:17553555</ref> [[dopamine]],<ref>Clotfelter ED, McNitt MM, Carpenter RE, Summers CH. Modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters in fighting fish Betta splendens exposed to waterborne phytoestrogens. 2010:933–43.</ref> and [[Gamma-Aminobutyric acid|GABA]].<ref>Yang W, Wang Y, Zhu C, et al. De novo transcriptomic characterization of Betta splendens for identifying sex-biased genes potentially involved in aggressive behavior modulation and EST-SSR maker development. bioRxiv; 2018.</ref>', 225 => '', 226 => '==In popular culture==', 227 => '*The Fisheries Department of Thailand is promoting ''pla kat'', or Siamese fighting fish, as the national fish. Department chief Adisorn Promthep said that the proposal will be submitted to the National Identity Office under the Prime Minister's Office for approval. He said that once the status is recognised, fighting fish farming would be promoted, which would generate money and create jobs. He added that credible records show that ''pla kat'' of the ''[[Betta splendens]]'' species are native to Thailand and were first collected for fighting during the reign of King [[Rama III]].<ref>{{cite news |title='Pla gud' to be national fish |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1570858/pla-gud-to-be-national-fish |access-date=6 November 2018 |newspaper=[[Bangkok Post]] |date=6 November 2018}}</ref>', 228 => '*The titular character in the novel ''[[Rumble Fish (novel)|Rumble Fish]]'' and subsequent [[Rumble Fish|film adaptation]] is a Siamese fighting fish.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hinton|first1=S.E.|title=Rumble Fish|publisher=Delacorte Press|isbn=978-0385375689|year=2013}}</ref> In both, the character Motorcycle Boy is fascinated with the creatures and dubs them "rumble fish". He speculates that if the fish were to be set free in the river, they wouldn't behave so aggressively. A common misconception regarding keeping ''B. splendens'' is that they should live in vases or bowls. However, this has been proven to damage their health, life expectancy, and cause negative behavioural changes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why betta bowls are bad|url=http://www.aquariadise.com/why-betta-bowls-are-bad/|website=Aquariadis.come|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref>', 229 => '*A scene in the [[James Bond]] film ''[[From Russia with Love (film)|From Russia with Love]]'' shows three Siamese fighting fish in an aquarium as the villain [[Ernst Stavro Blofeld]] likens the ''modus operandi'' of his criminal organisation, [[SPECTRE]], to one of the fish that observes as the other two fight to the death, then kills the weakened victor.<ref>{{cite book |title=Bond on Bond: The Ultimate Book on 50 Years of Bond Movies |first=Roger |last=Moore |date=2012 |chapter=The Spector of Evil |publisher=Michael O'Mara Books |isbn=978-1843178613 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/bondonbondultima0000moor }}</ref>', 230 => '*In 2020, a Siamese fighting fish kept in a home aquarium in Japan named Lala was livestreamed successfully 'completing' a copy of ''[[Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire|Pokemon Sapphire]]'' by use of a laser that followed the fish and triggered button inputs mapped on a grid behind the tank.<ref>{{Cite web|last=November 2020|first=Demi Williams 09|title=Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire has been beaten by a Siamese fighting fish|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-ruby-and-sapphire-has-been-beaten-by-a-siamese-fighting-fish/|access-date=2020-12-30|website=gamesradar|language=en}}</ref> Lala's playthrough of the game was carried out over four months, commencing in June 2020 and concluding in November,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-07|title=Pokemon fans pet fish unbelievably manages to beat game all by itself|url=https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/pokemon-fans-pet-fish-unbelievably-manages-to-beat-game-all-by-itself-1448814/|access-date=2020-12-30|website=Dexerto|language=en}}</ref> and the experiment also resulted in the discovery of a glitch that softlocked the game that had previously gone undiscovered.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pokemon Glitch Discovered by Pet Fish|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/pokemon-betta-fish-ruby-sapphire-glitch/|access-date=2020-12-30|website=GAMING|language=en}}</ref>', 231 => '', 232 => '==References==', 233 => '{{Reflist}}', 234 => '', 235 => '==Further reading==', 236 => '*{{cite journal | last1 = Simpson | first1 = M. J. A. | year = 1968 | title = The display of the Siamese fighting fish ''Betta splendens'' | journal = Animal Behaviour Monographs | volume = 1 | pages = 1–73 | doi = 10.1016/S0066-1856(68)80001-9 }}', 237 => '*{{cite journal | last1 = Thompson | first1 = T | year = 1966 | title = Operant and Classically-Conditioned Aggressive Behavior in Siamese Fighting Fish | journal = American Zoologist | volume = 6 | issue = 4| pages = 629–741 | doi = 10.1093/icb/6.4.629 | pmid = 6009828 | doi-access = free }}', 238 => '', 239 => '== See also ==', 240 => '* [[National symbols of Thailand]]', 241 => '', 242 => '==External links==', 243 => '<!--', 244 => 'NOTE: Wikipedia is not a web directory. Please keep it that way. Instead of adding links to individual Betta sites here, please submit them to the Open Directory Project (see the second link above). Thank you.', 245 => '-->', 246 => '{{Commons category|Betta splendens}}', 247 => '{{Wikispecies|Betta splendens}}', 248 => '{{Wikibooks|Do-It-Yourself|Breed siamese fighting fish}}', 249 => '*{{curlie|Recreation/Pets/Fish_and_Aquaria/Freshwater/Species/Labyrinth_Fishes/Bettas|Bettas}}', 250 => '', 251 => '{{Taxonbar|from=Q549}}', 252 => '{{Authority control}}', 253 => '', 254 => '[[Category:Betta]]', 255 => '[[Category:Fishkeeping]]', 256 => '[[Category:Taxa named by Charles Tate Regan]]', 257 => '[[Category:Fish described in 1910]]', 258 => '[[Category:Fish of Cambodia]]', 259 => '[[Category:Fish of Laos]]', 260 => '[[Category:Fish of Thailand]]', 261 => '[[Category:Fish of Vietnam]]' ]