Betta Fish Habitat in the Wild: How Betta Fish Live and Survive

Do you know the real betta fish habitat in the wild? This fish is one of the most popular aquarium fish, but not many people know the real habitat, especially in the wild, since most people would get the fish from the local fish store. Knowing their original habitat can actually help you manage a better care of the fish because you know their real nature.

The Real Characteristics

The original name for Betta fish is Siamese fighting fish. The name alone tells you a pretty comprehensive information about the fish. First, yes, it is a fighting fish, which means that it may not be an ideal tank mate for other water creatures. In most cases, Betta fish like their solitude and ‘being alone’ setting. They are aggressive creature that dislikes any ‘tank-mate’.

Second, the origin of the fish is Siam, or Thailand. But the species may vary up to 90 species, and they can be found in Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Laos, Indonesia, and even to Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Brazil. Bettas are hardy, so it’s rather difficult to find them in other countries. In most cases, their existence (outside their origin) can be disastrous to the local species.

Bettas in the Wild

You can find bettas in shallow water packed with vegetation, like swamps or rice paddies. These pools must be shallow but vast, not narrow or small. If you have heard such thing as bettas can live in puddles, that’s a complete nonsense. The reason why bettas can survive the oxygen-lack (or poor) water is because of their special labyrinth organ.

Bettas found in natural setting usually come with tropical climate. The temperatures may range from 15 degrees Celsius (during winter) to 40 degrees Celsius (in summer). The pH element may vary too, as well as the hardness. Bettas have amazing adaptability; that’s why it is a popular (and also likable) pick for home tanks.

Despite its adaptability, bettas may suffer in a prolonged cold situation. They prefer the temperature warm. If it gets too cold, especially for overly long time, they may be stressed out and they become sensitive to disease. Now that you already know their nature, you can place the fish in warm location. If you live in cold climate area, consider a heated aquarium.

Bettas are basically insectivores, but if you buy the captivity type, you can train it to take other food types, like pellets or flakes. As you can see, once you understand Betta fish habitat in the wild, you have ideas of what to do with your fish at home.