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The Siamese fighting fish, or betta, is a
vibrantly-colored fish often seen swimming solo in brandy sniffers and
ornamental vases in both the office and home. The betta was first
discovered in Southeast Asia. Making its home in rice paddies, drainage ditches
and the warm flood plains of the region, the betta became accustomed to
frequent storm flooding and devastating droughts. The cyclic, drastic changes
in its environment helped the fish to adapt - becoming a true labyrinth fish. A
labyrinth fish has the unique ability to breathe oxygen directly from the air
and also take in oxygen from its gills. As a result, bettas and other labyrinth
fish can survive for short periods of time out of water and if needed, can
inhale the air around them (provided they stay moist.) This also explains why a
betta can sustain itself in stagnant, oxygen-deficient water. Although bettas
can tolerate small spaces and poor water quality, they do best in small
aquariums (at least two gallons) with regular water changes. The preferred
water temperature for a betta is 76-82 degrees F. The betta got its name from
an ancient clan of warriors, called the "Bettah." The fish were given
a combatant name after the fighting fish became popular in the mid-1800s. In
fact, the sport became so renowned in Thailand that the former King of Siam had
it regulated and taxed! Spectators of the sport based their bets on the bravery
of the fish, rather than the damage inflicted by the victor.
This is a Giclee
Print of a painting of a Siamese Fighting Fish. The original illustration is
an acrylic painting on canvas board. The print is on glossy photo paper. It is
an 8 x 11 inch print. The artist has created botanical illustrations for
publications that have been published by the New York Botanical Garden and the
University Press of Florida.