Low Maintenance Fish: Bettas

For a very low maintenance aquatic display, there are few easier fish to keep than the ordinary betta. Originating in monsoon areas of Southeastern Asia, the betta adapted to the diminishing size of ponds and puddles during the dry season by becoming capable of breathing air directly. These "puddle fish" have a unique organ, called a labyrinth, which enables them to absorb oxygen that has not been first dissolved into water. Thus even in a tank that does not get frequent changes, the betta can live and thrive.

The betta does not require a large tank to swim in and can be adequately kept in even small fish bowls that can be easily placed around your house or apartment for accenting your decor. The common betta does not require huge amounts of food and will get by on a single feeding of flake fish food or dried bloodworms per day. While not necessary to its survival, at least one small floating plant in a betta tank will make for a happier fish as the betta likes something to hide under.

Within the shadow of some hiding place most male bettas will form a "bubble nest". This foam-like structure provides the betta with not only a bit of cover from the sky but is also where the male betta will hide the eggs and new hatched fish. The male betta is the caretaker of the next generation.

There are dozens of species of betta that can be acquired for the various aquarium needs. Most people are more familiar with the betta species "splendens" which is the one with the large flaring fins and tail. "Splendens" is usually referred to by its common name of Siamese Fighting Fish.

Despite their reputation, bettas are usually quite accepting of other fish types. The fighting behavior is a territorial activity that is directed at other males of their own species. It is for this reason that it is needful to have only one male in any particular enclosure. They will fight to the death if there is no place for the defeated male to escape.

Many betta varieties have small fins although the squat body shape and wide beak is rather standard with the entire genus. One of the more valuable aspects of keeping bettas is that they have a very wide color range throughout the entire genus. While reds and blues are the most common, bettas can be found in nearly any color of the rainbow.