10 fun betta fish facts

Known best for their fighting spirit (more on that later), the freshwater betta fish is native to Southeast Asia and a much loved pet amongst hobbyists - but there’s many more betta fish facts to know when it comes to these fancy-finned fishies. 

Betta fish are an incredibly popular pet, and it’s easy to see why. If you're a big fan of betta fish, you're in luck! We've swam around searching for fun facts about betta fish that will tell you all you need to know about these adorable fishy friends - and will surprise even the most clued up of fish fans!

1. They can breathe air

No, we’re not pulling your fin - betta fish can breathe air just like you or me, thanks to their labyrinth organ. 

This special organ works in a very similar way to our lungs, and means they are able to breathe air at the water’s surface, as well as in water. Clever little fishes!

2. They’re named after warriors

That’s right, your pet betta comes from a long line of ancient warriors - well, their name did, at least. The betta fish name originates from an ancient warrior clan known as the “Bettah” - but their naming history doesn’t end there. 

Due to the growing popularity of fish fighting in Thailand in the mid-1800s, they later came to be known as "fighting fish" (or "Siamese fighting fish") - a name that continues to follow them around today. 

Another name you might have seen floating about when it comes to these pretty little fishes? Plakat. This is a Thai name which translates to "biting fish", and often refers to a variety of betta with short fins. 

3. They are fiercely territorial

If you’ve ever spotted a betta fish at your local pet store, you’ll probably have noticed that each fish is kept separately in its own bowl. That’s because these small but mighty little fish are highly territorial. 

Male bettas in particular can become extremely aggressive if placed in a tank with another fish - and usually ends in fighting, injury, and even death. They’re not called “fighting fish” for nothing… 

Female bettas, on the other fin (see what we did there?) aren't as aggressive, and can live in colonies with up 5-10 other female bettas providing the tank has more than enough space.

But beware - as if their tank is too roomy, females can become just as territorial and aggressive as their male counterparts.

4. They were first discovered in Southeast Asia

Betta splendens, otherwise known as betta fish, are native to Southeast Asia - specifically Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In the wild, they typically live in rice paddies and other slow moving streams or bodies of water within Southeast Asia. Their harsh living conditions mean these hardy little fish are pretty well equipped to deal with all kinds of conditions, from floods to droughts. 

5. Male betta fish build bubble nests

When it’s time to breed and create lots more adorable, baby betta fishes, the male betta fish will form a small bubble nest on the surface of the water.

He'll then watch over the nest, make repairs and retrieve any eggs that float away, protecting them until they hatch. Pretty cute, right? Building a bubble nest is also a sure fire sign you've got a healthy, happy male betta on your hands!

6. There are over 70 species of betta fish

Betta fish are incredibly varied - while most will be familiar with the Betta splendens, otherwise known as the betta fish or Siamese fighting fish, there are just over 70 recognised species of betta fish. 

Not only that, but thanks to many years of selective breeding, betta fish have various different tail shapes - at least 14 in total - including the "veil tail" (the most common), the "half-moon", "crown tail", “combtail”, "double tail" and more.

7. Betta fish come in many different colours 

The selectively bred betta fish also comes in a range of beautiful colours - blue, red, yellow, turquoise, and more, and their layers of iridescent skin pigment mean they can have multiple colour combinations. Truly, there are few fish quite as beautiful as the betta!

The exception to the brightly coloured betta fish rule? Wild betta fish. Wild bettas are more of a dull grey-green colour, which helps them to camouflage themselves in the wild.

8. Betta fish can jump

They're not just excellent swimmers - betta fish are mighty jumpers, too! If housed in an uncovered tank, bettas can jump up to 3 inches high on average. What did we tell you? Small, but mighty. 

It’s worth noting, a tank with poor water conditions can stress out your poor betta to the point where they'll leap out of their tanks to escape. For reference, bettas thrive best in a tank with at least 5 gallons of slightly acidic, warm water (with a pH level of between 6.8 and 7.5) that’s regularly changed.

Now, how’s that for your ​​betta fish fact sheet?

9. They can learn tricks

One of the best betta fish facts to know? They can do tricks! Pss pss, here, Betta! Give me your paw... or uh, fin? 

Ok, maybe not those kinds of tricks, but believe it or not, bettas are incredibly intelligent fish and can be trained to do cool tricks like swim through a hoop, eat from your hand or even come up to the water to be petted. Now, imagine cracking out that party trick at your next dinner soiree?

Not only that, but some studies have shown that the brainy betta fish can also recognise their owners, even if they are standing by the tank amongst other people.

10. Betta fish are carnivorous 

We know - it's hard to believe your delicate-looking, beautiful fishy friend is actually a ruthless insect chomper - but then again, with a moniker like “fighting fish”, we probably should've guessed as much. 

Betta fish need protein in their diet to thrive, and in the wild, will eat insects, insect larvae, blood worms, brine shrimp - you name it - pretty much any kind of meaty, insect-y goodness they can sink their teeth into.

And yes - before you ask, betta fish do have teeth. But don't worry, they're unlikely to harm you - their gnashers are very small (almost unseen to the naked human eye), and instead are used to defend themselves and chomp through all those tasty insects. Yum.

And there we have it! Bucket loads of betta fish facts and information to fill your fishy-loving brain. If you've recently welcomed a beautiful betta fish into your life, you'll likely need a name for the little guy or gal. Lucky for you, we have all the inspiration you could need with our list of the most common fish names.

Looking for a fish sitter?

Even betta fish prefer staying happy at home. If you’re looking for someone to look after your fish while you’re away, our trusted and verified sitters are just the people for the job. Explore thousands of pet sitters today to keep your warrior princess (or prince) company while you’re away. 

Or, if you’d like to discuss your love of fish or even share your own interesting facts about betta fish, be sure to head on over to our friendly Community Forum.