The Latin name is Betta Splendens (splendid fighter) also known in the past as Siamese fighting fish, but we all know him simply as Betta. As part of the Anabantids order, the Bettas are about 2,5 to 3 inches long, with fins of about the same length of the body, the female is generally smaller than the male and with a shorter finnage as well. The modern Betta literally comes in all the colors of the rainbow and some more. The Betta evolved to live in stagnant swampy waters where oxygen is scarce, they manage to survive due to a specific extra organ, they have gills just like any other fish, but they also have another part called the Labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface. If the Betta doesn’t have access to the surface, he can actually drown, but it also means that it can survive where other fishes can’t, eliminating competition and predators, giving them the possibility to thrive in confined oxygen depleted environments The Betta is one of the most beautiful fishes there is, therefore many hobbyist want to add them to their aquariums, and if that is your case there are a few things to keep in mind. The Bettas will savagely fight with other males of the same species, but it is actually very docile towards other fishes so much so that most of the times he is actually the one being chased around, so remember to keep only one male in your tank and with other non aggressive companions if you must.