Betta
Common Names: Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish
Scientific Name: Betta splendens
Maximum Size: 2.5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 2 gallons
Temperature Range: 70 - 85°F
pH Range: 9 - 7.5
Water Hardness: 5 - 20 dH
Temperament: Peaceful to some, aggressive to others
Lifespan: 2 - 3 years (sometimes longer)
Origin: Thailand
Aquarium Setup:
Bettas are often kept in small bowls, however the smallest tank they should be kept in is two gallons, but they will do much better in larger aquariums. Bettas will jump out of their tanks if they aren’t covered well. Just be sure there is enough space between the lid and the water to allow the Betta to breathe.
Tank Mates/Community:
A Betta will generally get along with other tropical fish unless they have large fins, in which cases the Betta 
will harass them and bite their fins. Avoid mixing a Betta with fish like guppies, angel fish and goldfish.
Diet:
Bettas are primarily carnivorous and will do well on flakes, freeze dried shrimp and bloodworms, and even some live food. Be sure that you feed your Betta with specially formulated food as proper nutrition will enable them to maintain their nice colors.
Behavior:
A male Betta will fight unmercifully with another male, usually until one or more of them are fatally injured. Sometimes the females will also fight each other. In a community a male Betta usually does well with female Bettas, however you should watch them closely to make sure that they get along.
Color:
Aquarists have been selectively breeding the Betta to develop coloring and fin shape for more than 100 years. The results of these efforts can be seen in the striking coloration and long fins of Bettas available 
today. The females are also brightly colored, but to less a degree than the males. Females have shorter, more blunt fins.
Interesting:
The Betta is second in popularity as a pet only to the Goldfish. People enjoy the Betta because of its exotic look and beautiful colors.
The Betta is a labyrinthine (Air Breathing) fish. It has an organ just behind its eyes that allows it to take in air from outside the water and extract the oxygen from it. This capability allows the Betta to thrive in low oxygen level water and explains why you see them near the surface so often.
