Biology of Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens Regan, 1910)

Abstract

Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens Regan, 1910) is a native species of ornamental and sport fish of Thailand. The commercial production of this species as ornament tends to increase progressively whereas the basic biology is scarcely known. This literature review provides elementary knowledge on taxonomy, ecology and distribution, morphology and anatomy, behavior, reproduction and development, digestion and feeding, pigmentation, heredity and aquaculture of the fish. These data are important for improving the quality of fish production. Whereas culture techniques, such as aquaculture system for intensive rearing, artificial feed with optimized nutrient content, female-to-male sex reversal, and breeding for improving color and fin shape are mainly required for fish farming. In addition, studies on biodiversity and natural habitat for conservation of wild type should be of interest.