Betta fish Facts

Betta Fish Life Span- 3-5 years in Captivity

When you hear about betta fish you probably think of Betta Splenders, the Siamese Fighting Fish you may not realize that there are actually more than sixty different species of bettas in existence. Scientists have not come to an agreement as to how to categorize the species of betta fish. In some instances you may see the divided by spawning behavior - bubble nesters versus mouth brooders or you may see them divided into groups called complexes. There are currently thirteen recognized complexes of betta fish species an each one bears the name of particular species within the complex. The Betta akarensis group, for example, contains the Betta akarensis species as well five others.

If you visit your local pet store in search of betta fish, however, you are unlikely to see them divided by species. Rather, you may find betta fish grouped and labeled according to fin type. Breeders and hobbyists all over the world have been selectively breeding betta fish for the last 50 years or so in order to achieve particular fin shapes and body colors in their fish. While female betta fish may be somewhat drab in coloration, males of the species may exhibit colors ranging from bright blue to fiery red or even a combination of colors. In addition to the vast color range, betta fish may also exhibit a number of different fin types including veil tail,double tail,crowntail and more.