Betta Fish
Many people think the beautiful betta are one the hundreds of types of goldfish, but it’s not true. Like goldfish, Betta are freshwater (as opposed to saltwater) fish, cultivated especially for aquariums. Betta are are also called “Siamese fighting fish” because they were bred from fish originally from Thailand (formerly known as Siam). Many people love the ways bettas look with their brilliantly colored bodies and tails, with deep blues, reds, purples. Sometimes bettas even are iridescent. Their tails and fins are often long and delicate, and come in many shapes. They are truly beautiful fish. However, bettas do not make the best tank mates as they can be very aggressive, sometimes nipping and biting other fish’s fins. This is especially true with many of the fancier types of goldfish. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a betta in a tank with your goldfish, but be prepared as they may not get along. It’s best to keep no more than one betta in your tank. Even if they get along with your goldfish, bettas don’t get along with other bettas, that’s how they got their reputation as fighting fish!