| A bata fish is the same as a beta or betta fish. | | | | bata fish will even attempt to start a fight with |
| There are several different spellings but they all | | | | their own shadow. |
| refer to a small fish, which originated in Thailand | | | | You have to be careful when setting up any new |
| and Cambodia. There the bata fish is known as a | | | | tank, because it takes a while for the system to |
| Siamese fighting fish. | | | | process ammonia into less harmful substances for |
| Bata fish are very small (2-3 inches) and make | | | | your fish. That's why it is recommended that you |
| wonderful fish in an aquarium set-up or just in a | | | | just get two bata fish to start out and then you |
| regular fish bowl. They don't require a lot of space | | | | can add more if you like after your aquarium has |
| as they are generally in the two to three inch long | | | | been up and running for a month or so. Because |
| range. They have become very popular as an | | | | betas are so sensitive to ammonia and nitrate |
| aquarium fish. They have what looks like a huge | | | | levels, you will want to get a water test kit so |
| fan type tail and fins. Bata fish can also breathe | | | | you know about any chemical changes right away. |
| the same air we do because they have a special | | | | Another of the things a lot of beginners have to |
| labyrinth organ behind their heads which enables | | | | learn is that you can't just leave your bata fish |
| the breathing. | | | | sitting in the same water for weeks at a time. |
| Many people buy these fish and keep them in a | | | | Because their water quality is so critical, you need |
| small fishbowl. This not the best way to go. If | | | | to change out at least 20 percent of the water in |
| you do use a fishbowl, it needs to have two | | | | your tank every two weeks. When using tap |
| gallons of water for each fish. Even with bettas, | | | | water you should let it sit for a day so that it |
| you should have a heater to warm the water and | | | | loses its chlorine and becomes as close to the |
| some type of filter to keep the water clean. The | | | | same temperature as the water in the tank as it |
| better the water, the happier and healthier your | | | | can get. |
| bata fish is going to be. | | | | Most people who start out with one or two fish |
| Because males fight with one another, so you | | | | enjoy them so much that they end up taking up |
| should never have more than one male in the | | | | the care of tropical fish as a hobby. Start out |
| tank. They are very serious about protecting their | | | | with your own bata fish and see where it takes |
| space so it really is no wonder they were named | | | | you. |
| Siamese fighting fish. Some people say a male | | | | |