Bettas belong to the family of labyrinth fish (Anabantidae). A structure known as the labyrinth organ enables them to breathe atmospheric air, a valuable trait in waters that are low on dissolved oxygen. Other members of this unique family include Gouramis (Trichogaster, Colisa), Paradise Fishes (Macropodus) and the Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus), which can even use its air-breathing ability to move short distances across land.
In their homeland waters of Thailand, Bettas live in shallow rice paddies, stagnant pools, polluted streams, and other places where the water has a low oxygen content. In these locales, the water temperature can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit under the direct rays of tropical sunlight. Thus, in nature Bettas live in warm, stagnant water.
In the aquarium Bettas prefer water that is 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit slightly warmer than the water temperature favored by other freshwater tropical fish, which prefer a temperature between 76 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Bettas also prefer quiet currents, unlike fish that are naturally found in flowing streams and rivers. Successful aquarium keeping always involves providing conditions in the aquarium similar to those the fishes encounter in nature.
No comments:
Post a Comment