Discover Why Betta Fish Fight and Are So Territorial

Bettas or Siamese fighters are some of the most colorful yet aggressive fish in the aquarium trade. They are notorious for their territorial temperaments and fighting abilities that can leave other bettas severely injured or dead. This behavior can leave new betta fish keepers stumped, wondering how such a pretty fish could possibly be capable of such aggression. So, why are betta fish so territorial and why can’t they be kept together? This article will tell you everything you need to know.

Origins of The Popular Fighting Fish

Betta fish are called fighting fish for a good reason, and it has to do with their origins, selective breeding, and natural instincts.

The origins of betta fish date back to the 1800s in Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia. However, reports and genome analysis studies revealed that bettas might have been associated with humans since the 14^th century. Thailand was known as Siam before 1939, hence the betta’s alternative name “Siamese fighting” fish.

In The Wild

Wild bettas would inhabit freshwater environments, such as marshes, ponds, streams, and rice paddies. They would populate these habitats and establish territories with neighboring bettas. It’s assumed that a single male betta would guard a territory spanning a square meter and fight off potential threats.

When a wild betta knew they were losing the fight, they had plenty of space to retreat. This is not easily done in aquariums where bettas are contained in a small environment with not much room to swim away.

Wild bettas were not as aggressive as domesticated bettas, so deaths from fights were likely rare. However, they might have had no choice but to kill the other during the dry seasons when their habitat was reduced to puddles.

Early Domestication

The betta’s early domestication traces back to the 1800s or possibly earlier when the people of Siam used them for fighting purposes. Some reports mention that bettas were also kept for fighting in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries.

Children would collect and keep bettas solely to watch them fight together. Betta fighting matches would extend to the adults who would place monetary bets on these fish to gamble on which one would win. This was known as cockfighting and keepers would purposely breed bettas for their aggressive and territorial traits.

The more aggressive the betta was, the likelier they were to win the fight. Once bettas became more popular, the King of Siam started to regulate their keeping and even placed tax on them. Bettas were popular among the Thai royalty at the time and considered prized possessions.

Introduction To the Rest of The World

It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the betta was introduced to Europe and other parts of the world. Bettas were imported into France, Russia, and later to Berlin, Germany around 1896. Finally, in 1910, the rising popularity of betta fish led them to the United States. Although bettas originated as fighting fish, they were starting to be kept as ornamental pets around the world. They retained the aggressive and territorial traits that we still see in them today.

Why Do Betta Fish Fight?

Betta fish fight to establish and protect their territories. Modern bettas have been selectively bred to have more aggressive tendencies than their wild counterparts. During a fight, betta fish will flare their gills and extend their fins to look larger and more intimidating. They may fight, chase, and bite at another betta’s fins until the loser retreats.

If the losing betta has no place to swim and hide away, they could be killed. Bettas who have been severely injured during a fight may succumb to their injuries later on even if they have successfully escaped.

Both male and female betta fish fight, although males are generally more aggressive. A betta’s aggression and territorial behavior aren’t only limited to other bettas, as some do not tolerate other species in their space.

Why Can’t Male Betta Fish Live Together?

1. They Are Territorial

Male bettas should never be housed together in the same aquarium for several reasons. The main reason is that male bettas are highly territorial and aggressive and will fight off invading bettas. This can lead to either one or both bettas becoming severely injured or possibly dying. Aggression and territorial behavior are not personality traits for bettas, they are natural instincts that cannot be changed.

2. It Is Stressful

The second reason is that housing male bettas together is incredibly stressful. It is not normal for male bettas to live together once they are mature. The constant stress of these fish living in fear and fighting over territories can take a toll on their health and lifespan.

Stress is not good for any betta fish and can affect their appetite, disease resistance, and overall quality of life. Furthermore, the injuries that the bettas inflict on each other are prone to infections which can be fatal. It is best to keep male bettas separated at all times and ideally out of view from other betta fish.

If you keep your bettas in separate aquariums where they can still see each other, you should place a visual barrier between them.

3. It Is Unnatural

It is not normal for wild betta fish to cohabit in the same territory, so the same applies to domesticated bettas. Betta fish do not get lonely or crave companionship, so there is no reason to keep them together.

Can Female Betta Fish Live Together?

While it is true that female bettas are slightly less aggressive and territorial than males, they still should not be kept together. Like the males, female bettas establish a territory and protect it from other bettas. Keeping female bettas together or housing them with males is stressful for all involved and may lead to serious injuries.

Some hobbyists have attempted to keep female bettas in what is known as a “sorority” tank. Betta sororities usually have a low success rate and should only be done by experts. Still, many experienced betta fish keepers do not agree with keeping any betta fish together regardless of whether they are male or female. Betta fish sororities require a lot of time, finances, and careful planning which can be challenging for the average fish keeper.

Conclusion

Bettas originate from Southeast Asian countries as an aggressive and territorial species. They have lived up to their alternative name as Siamese fighting fish throughout their history. Bettas might be small and colorful fish that seem harmless, but they can be surprisingly tough during fights. Both female and male bettas should be housed alone, as this is the safest and least stressful way for them to live.