The Siamese fighting fish
Siamese fighting fish are unique to Thailand's central plain, where they were domesticated at least 1,000 years ago. They are among the longest fish.They were initially bred for ferocity and used in gambling battles similar to cockfighting. Bettas became well-known outside of Thailand thanks to King Rama III (1788-1851), who allegedly gave some to Theodore Cantor, a Danish physician, naturalist, and botanist. Bettas are well-known for being fiercely territorial, with males assaulting each other if housed in the same tank; without an escape route, this usually results in the death of one or both fish. Female bettas can grow territorial with one another in restricted quarters.Betta fish are extremely tolerant of low oxygen levels and poor water quality due to their peculiar labyrinth organ, a feature unique to the Anabantoidei suborder that allows for surface air intake. In addition to its worldwide fame, the Siamese fighting fish is Thailand's national aquatic animal, and the c...
