The Splendid Betta

With long-flowing fins in a dizzying assortment of styles and bright colors, and the ability to survive in a small bowl of water, it’s little wonder that the Betta, scientifically known as Betta splendens, has become such a popular pet fish. So how did the Betta gain these two distinctive qualities that have made them the popular pets they are today?

It turns out that their ability to survive in small, unfiltered bowls of water is actually a very ancient trait, while their long, colorful fins are a much more recent development.

The origin of the Betta’s ability to survive in shallow, dirty waters can be traced back to when the first lungs evolved, some 416 to 360 million years ago during the Devonian Era, also known as the “Age of Fish.” Fossils and geologic records have helped us understand that during this time, Earth had frequent droughts and consequently many fish lived in shallow seas and lakes. Some fish developed unique nostrils that were used to smell the air, but not breathe it. This group is known as Choanichthyes. Read More