The Siamese fighter is a popular fish but is frequently misunderstood. Some people wonder why their happy fighter fish from the pet store has become dull and sickly in it's new environment. Without taking a look at it's basic requirements many fighting fish will never look their best or live for their full lifespan. Betta owners can learn how to care for their pets to give them the best conditions in a short time.

The wild behaviors and environment of the Siamese fighting fish often mislead the owner into unintentional poor care. It is true that wild fighting fish may live for several months in small puddles. The fish will always spend a number of months freely swimming as the monsoon rains connect and swell the swamps and rice paddies.

For pet betta keepers it is often the case that the puddle habitat is modeled rather than the monsoon environment. Thus fighting fish for sale end up in small containers or vases where they can hardly swim in a circle.

Some lucky fish end up in aquariums where they can freely swim and behave without the constraints of a small space. Siamese fighting fish kept in fishtanks often live longer lives while showing more vivid colors and lively behavior.

Despite having a reputation as "fighting fish" the betta splendens is mainly aggressive toward other males of it's own species. They can also be rather rough toward the female during breeding.

When kept with other species this is usually not the case. For other species the betta often has no interest unless he is guarding a nest of fry. A fighting fish will eat small fish that can fit in it's mouth but this is true of most carnivorous, omnivorous and insectivorous fish.

Exceptions can occur and there are always fish with more individual temperaments. Some male fighter fighter will target fish that resemble other male bettas. Fancy goldfish are sometimes the victims of such harassment.

It is more likely that betta fish will be the victim themselves in a community aquarium. Fin nipping species such as barbs and most cichlids should not be considered as likely tank mate candidates.