Betta fish are small fish that were first domesticated in the 1700s in Italy. They are the original “fighting fish” due to their small size and desire to bite at the head of other fish.
Since then, people have found a variety of uses for betta fish. Some keep them as pets, while others use them in tropical fish tanks as a means of recreation. There are even those who use them in schools to teach children about nature and the environment.
While most people think of betta fish when it comes to fierceness, this small fish can be quite the opposite. According to toxicologist Eloisa Bianco, Ph.D., founder of BioSpa Technologies, Inc., and lead author of the paper “A Review of Ethical, Safety, and Regulatory Aspects of Using Betta Fish as Dietary Supplements in Aquaculture,” it takes a lot longer for betta fish to mature than other fish. For instance, goldfish typically grow fast and large and can mature in as little as a year, but betta fish can take two to three years to reach sexual maturity.
Bianco points out that, due to their slow growth rate, it’s important to properly feed your betta fish. In fact, she states that “a properly-fed betta fish can be quite docile, and some care providers recommend that you do not use a net to catch your fish, so they do not struggle while being fed.”
If you’re considering adding betta fish to your tank, make sure to get the right kind for your needs. It would be best to get a pair that has already been domesticated so you don’t end up with a potentially dangerous wild animal in your tank.
Betta Fish Behavior
Although most people think of the fierceness of betta fish when it comes to these small fish, it is actually quite the opposite. According to Dario Francia, Ph.D., owner of the Fish Health and Wellness Center, most of what we know about betta fish comes from observations of their behavior in nature. Since they were first domesticated, it was noticed that these fish would attack and feed on other fish, particularly fish with large heads. Early trappers then started using large fish with sharp teeth as live bait, which resulted in the development of a bite that was stronger and more dangerous than before.
This is why people say that betta fish are ferocious, but it is actually more accurate to describe them as “predators of the aquatic world.”
Bella fish are known for their very aggressive behavior, which Francia describes as “befuddling and stunning the prey before devouring it.” He states that “this type of predatory instinct makes them very dangerous.”
Because of this aggressive behavior, it is best to keep your betta fish well-groomed and in good health, especially if you’re planning on keeping them as pets. Make sure to keep their nails trimmed and clean, as overgrown nails can cause infections.
Betta Fish Maturation
Betta fish are a popular addition to tropical fish tanks due to their beautiful colors and their amazing ability to blend into their environment. These fish were first domesticated in the 1700s and were originally from Italy. It was noted that betta fish would mature more slowly than other fish of the same size, which contributed to the already aggressive nature of these fish. Unfortunately, during this time period, many fish were being kept as pets, and overzealous caretakers were having problems with these fish due to their slow growth rate.
To fix this issue, Italian scientists started breeding smaller sized fish with faster maturation rates, which would result in smarter, more aggressive fish that were easier to handle. This also contributed to making the fish more docile as they grew accustomed to the human touch.
It takes a lot of patience to properly maintain a tank with betta fish as they mature, so if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to provide nutrition for your tropical fish, then consider looking into purchasing pre-made pellets or flakes. In addition, make sure to read the package instructions regarding how long these items should be added to the water so as not to clog the pipe leading to your tank’s filter.
For those interested in keeping these beautiful fish as pets, the key is to make sure that they are healthy and well-fed. Make sure to brush them daily, as this will promote health and shiny fins, as well as making your pet more active. Like most fish, they enjoy having live specimens as food, so feeding them crustaceans and other small fish is a good way to keep them satisfied and tame.
In some cases, especially in colder climates, it may be necessary to add an antibiotic to your tank’s water to promote faster growth. While in natural environments, these fish are known to be quite docile, it’s still important to maintain a healthy and clean tank.
Learning how to properly maintain a tank full of betta fish is a must, and it can be quite the challenge. Make sure to read the instructions included in the package so you know what products are best suited for your situation and how long you should be adding them to the water.