Betta fish are full of colors and personality. Betta Splendens, or Siamese Fighting Fish, are freshwater fish often found in rice fields in Thailand. Due to the recent degradation of these shallow ponds, Betta fish have become vulnerable as a species in their current habitat. They have recently been widely marketed by large pet stores, such as Petco, where they are sold by the dozen to novice aquarium owners. Male Bettas can grow to approximately 6.8 inches in length with strikingly colored flowing fins in a variety of color shapes (Fish Base 1). . Petco estimates the lifespan of a Betta at two to three years under the best conditions (petco 2). They currently pose no threat to humans, meaning they have no teeth or venom that could harm or kill a pet owner. Their diet consists of insects and plants in the wild, but in captivity they can live on freeze-dried shrimp and bloodworms. Bettas are easy to care for pets and are highly aesthetic with a great personality that is bound to make generic goldfish stand out. Bettas make great pets due to their easy to care for and easy to clean lifestyle. Bettas are ideally left in tanks ranging from 78-80 degrees, which varies to average room temperature (Petco 2). This means that with smaller aquariums expensive heaters are not needed to ensure the health of the fish, ensuring you save the bank. Unlike goldfish, they can be kept in tanks as small as a quarter gallon, but it is suggested that a single male should be kept in a tank of at least five gallons to encourage exploration and healthy habits ("jappnesefightingfish" 4) . The smaller size of the tank fits comfortably on a desk and still provides room for the tank owner to get work done and see their new pet. ...half of paper......and great personality make the perfect pet for anyone. These pets will surely brighten up the space they are placed in and make life much brighter. Betta fish are compact pets that definitely won't break the bank or require large amounts of time to care for. Bettas make a great pet and will bring a little moment of joy to any gray and cloudy day. Betta Splendens strive to be the best pet a novice aquarium owner could hope for, with their easy-to-love lifestyle, great personalities, striking colors, and great accessibility. Works Cited Luna, Susan M. "Betta Splendens Regan, 1910." FishBase. Fishbase, 2005. Web. 12 February 2014. Petco. “Petco: Betta Fish Care.” Japanese fighting fish. Petco, 2012. Web. February 12, 2014. Unknown. "Japanese Fighting Fish". Japanese fighting fish. Japan Fighting Fish Organization, 2009. Web. 12 February. 2014.