Species profile
Siamese Fighting Fish
Betta splendens
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
45 L minimum aquarium
5–7 cm adult size
Top
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Best maintained singly. Provide gentle flow, dense cover, a secure lid and access to warm humid air above the surface.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH
4–12 dGH
KH
3–10 dKH
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Males are highly territorial and must not be housed together. Females may also fight; groups are not automatically safe. Community compatibility varies by individual. Avoid fin-nipping or rival-looking tankmates.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
45 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Betta splendens
Alternative names
Siamese Fighter, Fighting Fish, Common Betta, Domestic Betta
Native range
Central Thailand, particularly the Chao Phraya basin.
Natural habitat
Still and slow-moving vegetated waters, including marshes, floodplains, ditches and rice paddies. Provide dense planting, surface cover and gentle filtration.
Diet & feeding
Quality Betta pellets with varied small live or frozen invertebrates, such as daphnia, Artemia and insect larvae. Avoid overfeeding.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Ornamental males commonly show stronger colouration and extended fins, although short-finned plakat varieties can make sexing less obvious.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. The male builds and guards the nest and tends the eggs and larvae. Breeding requires careful supervision and separation when aggression occurs.