Betta Fish

                      Betta fish are also known as the Siamese fighting fish. The wild ancestors of this fish are native to the rice paddies of Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. They usually grow to an overall length of 5 centimeters. Although known for their brilliant colors and large, flowing fins, the natural coloration of a Betta fish is dull green and brown. The fins of the wild specimens are relatively short. Brilliantly colored and long finned varieties of Betta fish have been developed through selective breeding. Betta fish have been affectionately nicknamed "The Jewel of the Orient" due to their beauty, and their wide range of colors which are produced through selective breeding. If properly kept and fed correct diet, Betta fish live approximately two to five years in captivity.

Tank and tank mates
Careful research should be carried out before selecting tank mates. In captivity, males Betta fish are best housed alone,since, as their name "Fighting fish" implies, they will aggressively attack and kill (or be killed by) another male in their territory. Putting male and female specimens together is not recommended either (except for breeding, in which the female should be removed immediately after the process) as they will often attack each other. Female bettas can sometimes be kept together in groups of three to seven in larger tanks with hiding places for the less-aggressive females. On average, males are more aggressive. Betta fish will even respond aggressively to their own reflections in a mirror.

Food and diet
Betta fish cannot control the amount of food they eat. They easily get constipated. The owner has to pay attention and make sure not to over feed them. They should be fed once a day, or maximum of two times a day (3 or 4 pallets at once). They have stomach of size equal to the size of the eyeball. So, no matter how begging they look, wiggling back and forth, do not let them eat more. They can go without food for a whole week. So, don't panic if you forgot to feed your betta fish. Betta fish are carnivores. So, make sure to include in a daily menu, live frozen food like worms and flakes. In every pet store you can find betta fish food, but read the instructions carefully. Food like freeze dried brine shrimps, blood worms, mosquito larva e.t.c., can be used for bettas, but these types of foods should be fed very sparingly, and no more than twice a week. If fed too much or too often, it can make your betta sick.Freeze dried blood worms and the like are known to carry bacterial infections. If fed sparingly as a treat, the chances of them harming your betta are very slim. If fed as a main source, he will definitely be heading for illness, such as constipation, ick, swim bladder disorder, and the variety of betta fish diseases.

Constipation and other sickness prevention
To prevent constipation or other sickness, once in a week, leave your betta fish without food. And, the next day feed him a pea. Take a pea and put it into microwave to cook it up. When ready, take it from the outer shell, and you will see two halves of the pea. Take one half, cut it up to betta's bite size and feed them. Repeat it once in a week.