The natural habitats of betta fish are mainly distributed in multiple countries and regions in Asia. The genus of betta fish is primarily found in Southeast Asia, including countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. In China, betta fish are widely distributed in the vast water areas south of the Yangtze River Basin, such as the Pearl River, Min River, Qiantang River basins, and so on. Additionally, the paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) is also distributed in the slow-flowing streams and swamps in the eastern part of China, including Taiwan and Hainan Island, as well as in the northern and central parts of Vietnam and the northeastern part of Laos.
Betta fish usually live in shallow water areas, such as swamps, floodplains, and paddy fields. In these places, the water quality is generally calm, which is conducive to the survival and reproduction of betta fish. In China, betta fish particularly like to inhabit the water areas with a better environment, such as the lakes and ponds in parks. For example, in Beijing, they can be found in the Olympic Forest Park and Yuyuantan Park.