The main species of wild betta fish include the round-tailed betta and the fork-tailed betta.
Round-Tailed Betta
Also known as *Qianpan* or the Macropodus ocellatus, the round-tailed betta belongs to the Betta genus within the Osphronemidae family. They primarily inhabit vast areas north of the Yangtze River basin, especially in mountain streams and ponds. These bettas have a slender body shape, with a maximum length of no more than 5 inches (13 cm), large round eyes, and a distinctively round tail. Their dorsal and ventral fins are elongated, and the tail fin features a faint red hue, giving them an elegant appearance when swimming. Round-tailed bettas have low water quality requirements and can thrive in water temperatures between 43–86°F (6–30°C), a pH range of 6.5–7.2, and dissolved oxygen levels above 5 mg/L. In the wild, they are carnivorous, and in captivity, they can be fed rice field pests, bloodworms, and tubifex worms.
Fork-Tailed Betta
The fork-tailed betta, also called the common fork-tailed betta or *Pu Cha*, is the most widespread species of Chinese betta. They are commonly found in southern China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian provinces. These bettas grow to approximately 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in length, with a long oval body and large round eyes. Their tail fin is deeply forked, while the dorsal and ventral fins are elongated, often with a subtle red tint on the tail. Fork-tailed bettas are robust and undemanding eaters, preferring carnivorous diets. They are territorial and aggressive, making them best suited for single-fish aquariums to avoid conflicts with other fish.
Distribution and Habitat
Round-tailed bettas are mainly distributed in regions north of the Yangtze River basin, while fork-tailed bettas inhabit freshwater ecosystems in southern China, such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian. Both species typically live in shallow water洼 (puddles) or along shorelines dense with aquatic vegetation.
Ecological Behavior
Both round-tailed and fork-tailed bettas are carnivorous, feeding primarily on insect larvae and small aquatic invertebrates. They are tolerant of varying water conditions but require appropriate water temperature and pH levels. Due to their aggressive nature, fork-tailed bettas should be kept alone to prevent fights with tank mates.
Notes:
- Temperature converted to Fahrenheit (°F = °C × 1.8 + 32) for American readers.
- Sizes provided in both inches and centimeters for clarity.
- Retained "Pu Cha" as a phonetic translation for the Chinese common name, with quotation marks for context.