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 country is still the leading producer and supplier of bettas for the global aquarium market. Despite its ubiquity as a pet, B. splendens is classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN due to increased pollution and habitat destruction.

Siamese fighting fish have complex behavioural patterns and social interactions that differ between individuals.According to research, they are capable of associative learning, which means they respond consistently to novel stimuli.
Ethologists, neurologists, and comparative psychologists have all conducted extensive research on bettas because to their unique traits.

Betta fish can exhibit odd sleep behaviours, leading new owners to believe their fish has died. Betta fish can sleep anyplace in an aquarium that they feel comfortable, including at the bottom on the substrate, floating at mid-level, or on the surface. Betta fish sleep on their sides, upside down, nose up, or tail up. They are also notorious for curling up or wedged between narrow areas, like as behind a heater. Betta fish have one of the most peculiar sleep behaviours, since they can sleep out of the water on a leaf or any other flat object protruding from the water.

This is made possible by the betta's labyrinth organ, which functions similarly to a human lung, drawing oxygen from the air rather than from the water. Betta fish's vibrant colours typically fade while they sleep, and when combined with their peculiar resting positions, they can appear dead. Predatory fish frequently avoid eating dead fish due to the risk of catching diseases and parasites, making this a great defence mechanism.

by Ryeo Animal world