The Betta was first discovered in Southeast Asia. Making it's home in rice paddies, drainage ditches and the warm flood
plains of the region, the Betta became accustomed to frequent storm flooding and devastating droughts. The cyclic, drastic
changes in it's environment helped the fish adapt, becoming a true labyrinth fish. A labyrinth fish has the unique ability to breathe
oxygen directly from the air and also take in oxygen from it's gills. As a result, Bettas and other labyrinth fish can survive for short
periods of time out of water and if needed, can inhale the air around them (provided they stay moist.) This also explains
why a Betta can sustain itself in stagnant, oxygen-deficient water. Although Bettas can tolerate small spaces and poor water
quality, they do best in small aquariums (at least two gallons or more) with regular water changes. The preferred
water temperature for a Betta is 76-82 degrees F.
plains of the region, the Betta became accustomed to frequent storm flooding and devastating droughts. The cyclic, drastic
changes in it's environment helped the fish adapt, becoming a true labyrinth fish. A labyrinth fish has the unique ability to breathe
oxygen directly from the air and also take in oxygen from it's gills. As a result, Bettas and other labyrinth fish can survive for short
periods of time out of water and if needed, can inhale the air around them (provided they stay moist.) This also explains
why a Betta can sustain itself in stagnant, oxygen-deficient water. Although Bettas can tolerate small spaces and poor water
quality, they do best in small aquariums (at least two gallons or more) with regular water changes. The preferred
water temperature for a Betta is 76-82 degrees F.