K.J.
LUK ITS A FUZBALL
I noticed there were a lot of newbies here lately so I got this up... 
Tips For Newbies
Bettas originate in the rice swamps in Thailand. They are widely popular because they can be kept in small aquaria, a minimum of one gallon. Personally I don't agree with this and wouldn't really put a betta in under two gallons, although I have done this once – the betta has since improved being in 2.5 gallons, which is the best size in my opinion.
Although Betta Splendens is often categorized as "Siamese Fighting Fish," this suggestion does not mean it will fight with any fish it comes in contact with. However the name is not completely irrelevant, as when introduced to a female specimen or another male, disastrous results will come out of this. This is not a shoaling species and although many people do this, males are not suitable community fish. The males are extremely aggressive and with long, flowing fins they are a target for fin nippers like neon tetras or tiger barbs. Males do best in a small tank of their own. You should never, on any circumstances, put a male with a female or a male with a male. However there is a practice in Thailand where two bettas will fight each other until the other retreats, which is also what many specimens do in the wild. Although this is occasionally done in the United States, it is considered animal cruelty to fight longfins. There is a special type created specifically for fighting, called plakat, which resemble the wild types.
Females, on the other hand, can be put in with other females and community fish, but this is not always something you can rely on - females can be just as aggressive as the other sex, sometimes even more. You should have an extra tank in handy if you attempt this. One of the commonly attempted things is a betta sorority, which is a tank consisting of purely female bettas. However the minimum tank for this is ten gallons, and you need to have at least four females - otherwise no hierarchy will be developed and you will wake up to find your fish dead. While all the same, this can happen with four too unless provided with suitable hiding places. What many people, I think, fail to understand is that females are not the "ugly form of a male." Females can be just as brightly colored as males and the fins can be just as elaborate.
I've heard that bettas have no feeling in their fins but I don't know if this is true. When fighting bettas, the bettas are kept in glass jars with a sheet of cardboard in between the two tanks between them. After a while the cardboard is removed and they progress to flare, something I will talk about later. Eventually they are put together and fight until one swims away. Then the owner would take it out and the betta who was left standing (or swimming) was declared winner. I cannot say I would enjoy this but I believe it is okay to fight if the owner is able to give proper care afterwards.
Now, what is flaring? When a male sees its reflection, another male, or a female it will flare. Holding a mirror up to the side of its tank is considered exercise for the fish, but don't do it more then twenty minutes. Flaring is when a betta will spreads its gill covers and tail, creating a marvelous display. Below is the example of a non-flaring betta and a flaring betta.
Bettas must be kept in a temperature of 70 – 80 degrees. Although they can survive up to 90 degrees, this practice is not recommended. Bettas need lids as they are jumpers, but personally I have never run into one that jumped.
flaring:
Non-Flaring:
Although Betta Splendens is often categorized as "Siamese Fighting Fish," this suggestion does not mean it will fight with any fish it comes in contact with. However the name is not completely irrelevant, as when introduced to a female specimen or another male, disastrous results will come out of this. This is not a shoaling species and although many people do this, males are not suitable community fish. The males are extremely aggressive and with long, flowing fins they are a target for fin nippers like neon tetras or tiger barbs. Males do best in a small tank of their own. You should never, on any circumstances, put a male with a female or a male with a male. However there is a practice in Thailand where two bettas will fight each other until the other retreats, which is also what many specimens do in the wild. Although this is occasionally done in the United States, it is considered animal cruelty to fight longfins. There is a special type created specifically for fighting, called plakat, which resemble the wild types.
Females, on the other hand, can be put in with other females and community fish, but this is not always something you can rely on - females can be just as aggressive as the other sex, sometimes even more. You should have an extra tank in handy if you attempt this. One of the commonly attempted things is a betta sorority, which is a tank consisting of purely female bettas. However the minimum tank for this is ten gallons, and you need to have at least four females - otherwise no hierarchy will be developed and you will wake up to find your fish dead. While all the same, this can happen with four too unless provided with suitable hiding places. What many people, I think, fail to understand is that females are not the "ugly form of a male." Females can be just as brightly colored as males and the fins can be just as elaborate.
I've heard that bettas have no feeling in their fins but I don't know if this is true. When fighting bettas, the bettas are kept in glass jars with a sheet of cardboard in between the two tanks between them. After a while the cardboard is removed and they progress to flare, something I will talk about later. Eventually they are put together and fight until one swims away. Then the owner would take it out and the betta who was left standing (or swimming) was declared winner. I cannot say I would enjoy this but I believe it is okay to fight if the owner is able to give proper care afterwards.
Now, what is flaring? When a male sees its reflection, another male, or a female it will flare. Holding a mirror up to the side of its tank is considered exercise for the fish, but don't do it more then twenty minutes. Flaring is when a betta will spreads its gill covers and tail, creating a marvelous display. Below is the example of a non-flaring betta and a flaring betta.
Bettas must be kept in a temperature of 70 – 80 degrees. Although they can survive up to 90 degrees, this practice is not recommended. Bettas need lids as they are jumpers, but personally I have never run into one that jumped.
flaring:
