After the common goldfish, betta fish, commonly referred to as Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most popular fish breeds purchased by budding freshwater fish hobbyists. Commonly sold in pet shops alongside small "betta bowls," these beautiful fish actually require more space than one might expect. Selling a betta in a vase with a plant has become a popular sales technique. However, a flower vase is not a suitable environment for the betta.
The first recorded domestication of this species dates back to 1893 although the american and european society realise these fishes as pets only in the 1920s. The initial domestication period of betta splenden are focused mainly on their fighting ability since bettas often fight to the death in the confinement of capitivity. This aggressive trait is a throwback to their wild habits where the male fights to defend territory. He builds a nest of bubbles at the surface among aquatic vegetation. After courtship, the fish gathers the fertilised eggs into the mouth and spits them into the nest to develop further under his guard.
Some aquarium hobbyists later breed the betta splenden for fancy display. The fish was allowed to develop long and big fins along with striking colours. The fancy betta splenden today boasts of wide fins, the widest caudal fin I know of is a massive 220o. The fish also come in many colours such as yellow, red, black, blue, green and purple.
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