An aggressive fishAnyone who likes to keep an aquarium should have a Siamese fighting fish or betta. This marine animal is native to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand where it once proliferated in cultivated rice fields before capture by man. Today, this is a popular freshwater fish to keep in the home, office, or classroom setting in a small aquarium set on a sturdy table or shelf. Because this variety of fish is incredibly aggressive, it is generally isolated in a small container away from other fish. Betta or Siamese fighting fish will even attack its own species to protect its living space. Captive-bred While many Siamese fighting fish still live in the wild, this animal's natural color is actually a dull gray, brown, and green, instead of the bright colors seen in captivity. For many years, individuals have caught betta fish for breeding. Captive breeding has led to the birth of Siamese fighting fish with an assortment of beautiful colors and delicate long fins. In the wild, betta fish have small fins designed to aid swimming, rather than the wavy ones seen in captive aquarium varieties. Over many years, breeders have created specialized varieties of Siamese fighting fish such as crescent, super delta and veil that are highly prized and valuable. Bred for Entertainment Siamese or Betta fighting fish will naturally fight in the wild for mates, food and living space. . However, captive-bred fish are serious fighters that will continue the battle for a much longer period of time. Historians believe that the ancient inhabitants of Malaysia and Thailand began catching and breeding bettas during the 1800s as a fun activity. People would actually gather around an aquarium to watch bettas fight while betting on… middle of paper… that they will continue to raise little albinos. In the past, only male bettas had brightly colored scales and large fins, but today breeders have created females with new variations. Buying Betta Fish Individuals who collect and breed Siamese fighting fish are experts in understanding the different variations of scales and fins. Breeders carefully examine the length, angle or shape of the tail and fins along with the variety of colors to choose the best Siamese fighting fish to own for breeding purposes. Both males and females will display snorting or flaring behavior during courtship or fighting. When a Siamese fighting fish is stressed, its coloration may change slightly with light streaks appearing on its body. Specialty pet or aquarium stores typically have an assortment of Siamese fighting fish, specialized food, and equipment available for customers to purchase to raise this animal at home.