Wild Betta or Siamese Fighting Fish are betta fish kept in homes. They come from shallow water habitats in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos and get their name from the Ancient Siam warrior's spirit.
Wild betta fish have an average lifespan of three to five years and can grow up to 3 inches long. The male betta can be identified by its long and colorful fins, while the female has shorter fins.
Wild betta are surface feeders, meaning they feed off the top of the water rather than from the bottom. They prefer live food such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small crustaceans.
Wild betta needs an environment with a temperature range of 76°F to 80°F, a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, and soft water with a hardness of 5-18 dH.
Wild betta usually inhabits slow-moving, swampy waters and muddy areas. They like to hide between stones and leaves and enjoy the protection of overhanging plants.
Male betta is territorial and tends to attack any other betta intruding into their space. Therefore, wild betta should be kept in separate tanks or divided into compartments in the same tank.
Wild betta builds bubble nests with air bubbles from the fish's lungs. Male wild betta can be displayed around the nest, carefully guarding it and picking up fallen eggs.
Wild betta fish color varieties come in red, green, blue, and brown shades.
Wild betta are diurnal—meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night.
Wild betta thrive in heavily planted aquariums, especially those that buoy up floating plants.
Wild betta can suffer from fin rot, parasites, and bacterial infections. Regular water changes are essential to keep fish healthy.
