Betta fish (such as the Siamese fighting fish, scientific name: Betta splendens) are tropical fish! They are native to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Cambodia, and are typical tropical freshwater fish that thrive in water temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Renowned for their vibrant colors and unique "fighting instinct," here are some key points to note when keeping them:
Water temperature control: A heater is necessary to maintain a stable water temperature, as low temperatures can make them susceptible to diseases.
Solitary housing: Male bettas are aggressive and must be kept separate from other males. However, they can coexist with small, gentle fish species (such as tetras).
Water quality requirements: They prefer soft water that is slightly acidic to neutral. Regular water changes are essential to keep the environment clean.
As for China's native "Chinese bettas" (like the round-tailed betta), although they are more cold-tolerant, they still fall under the broad category of tropical/subtropical fish.