2. Beta Fish Catherine Ambers 8695-5780

3. History of the Beta  Introduced in Europe in 1874  Pierre Carbonnier, a French ornamental fish breeder, began breeding Betas  Also found in the murky waters of the Malay Peninsula and rice paddies of Thailand

4. About the Beta  Betas have large mouths in proportion to the rest of their bodies  Colorful- often purple, blue, or red  Aggressive temprament

5. Other Names for the Beta Beta Fish Siamese Fighting Fish Chinese Fighting Fish B. Splendens

6. How to Care for Your Beta  Put in bowl of unheated water without filtration or aeration- they breathe atmospheric air!  Feed Beta food once to twice daily  Clean bowl every one to two weeks

7. Beware of Male Betas  Male Betas are known to be very aggressive  If two male Betas are put in the same bowl they will fight- hence their nicknames Chinese or Siamese Fighting Fish  Will attack own reflection in mirror  Especially aggressive during the breeding period

8. Sources  http://beta-fighting-fish.com/ http://beta-fighting-fish.com/  http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/ bettas/betta_more.htm http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/ bettas/betta_more.htm http://www.aquariumfish.net/catalog_pages/ bettas/betta_more.htm