Cambodian Fighting Fish (Male)

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens
• Common Names: Cambodian Betta, Cambodian Fighting Fish
• Family: Osphronemidae
• Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Cambodia.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Cambodian Bettas are characterized by their unique color pattern. They typically have a pale, almost translucent body, often with a light pink or white appearance. This pale base color is accented by red or maroon fins, which can vary in intensity and coverage. Some may also have additional shades, such as blues or greens, depending on breeding.
• Size: They usually grow to about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length.
• Body Shape: Cambodian Bettas have a long, slender body that is laterally compressed, a typical trait of the species.
• Fins: Their fins can be long and flowing, with various shapes, including veil tail, crowntail, and halfmoon. The length and form of the fins are significant characteristics for judging Betta quality.

Behavior

• Temperament: Cambodian Bettas are known for their territorial and sometimes aggressive nature, particularly towards other male Bettas. They are best kept alone or with non-aggressive species.
• Social Structure: While they can show aggression towards other males of their species, they can coexist with certain peaceful tank mates, provided the tank is spacious enough.
• Activity Level: They are relatively active fish, often displaying fascinating behaviors such as flaring their fins and exploring their environment.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Cambodian Bettas inhabit shallow waters, rice paddies, and floodplains, typically with dense vegetation providing cover and breeding grounds.
• Aquarium Setup: It is best to provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots using plants, driftwood, or decorations. A minimum tank size of 5 gallons is recommended, with a gentle filter to avoid strong currents, as Bettas prefer calm waters.

Diet

• Feeding: Cambodian Bettas are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet. They will accept high-quality Betta pellets, flakes, freeze-dried foods, and occasional live or frozen foods (such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Cambodian Bettas are bubble-nesters, meaning the male constructs a bubble nest at the water's surface where he will care for the eggs after spawning.
• Nesting: To breed successfully, provide a separate breeding tank with plants for the female to hide in. The male will display elaborate courtship behavior to attract the female.
• Fry Care: After the eggs hatch (usually within 24 to 48 hours), the male will care for the fry until they are free-swimming, after which he should be removed to prevent aggression.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a single Cambodian Betta.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain water quality. Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) are essential to keep the water clean and healthy.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Cambodian Bettas can be kept with peaceful community fish such as certain tetras, rasboras, and snails. Avoid keeping them with other male Bettas, as well as aggressive species or fish with long fins that may provoke aggression.
• Behavior with Others: Monitor the tank closely for signs of aggression, especially when introducing new tank mates.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Cambodian Bettas can live for about 3 to 5 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Cambodian Bettas are known for their unique beauty and are often bred for their striking colors and fin shapes, which have been selectively enhanced over generations.
• Bettas have a labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe air from the surface, which makes them adaptable to various aquatic environments.