Betta fish are primarily distributed in freshwater habitats across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Their specific habitats are as follows:
I. Native Distribution Areas
Southeast Asian Countries
They inhabit marshes, rice paddies, and shallow ponds in Thailand (from the Mae Klong Canal to the Chao Phraya River basin), Malaysia, and Indonesia.
They are also found in some waters of Vietnam, Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan.
Southern China
They live in freshwater basins south of the Yangtze River, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Sichuan, and Hunan.
Common habitats include shallow rice paddies, streams, ditches, and swamps.
II. Typical Habitat Characteristics
Water Body Types
Still or slow-flowing water environments (such as swamps, mud ponds, and stagnant pools).
During the rainy season, they are active in the edges of rain-flooded wetlands and areas with dense aquatic vegetation.
Environmental Parameters
Water temperature: 22–30°C (optimum 24–28°C).
Water depth: Shallow areas of 15–20 cm.
Water quality: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5) with low dissolved oxygen levels.
Ecological Preferences
They rely on shelters like aquatic plants and reeds to avoid predators.
Their diet consists of zooplankton and insect larvae.
III. Requirements for Artificial Breeding Environments
It is necessary to simulate their native habitat, maintain stable water temperatures, provide shelters, and avoid strong light and turbulent water flow.