How many fish can you keep in a shot glass?
That's a bit of a loaded question. Seemingly no fish would survive living in a shot glass. But contraire, there is one fish that can survive in only a few ounces of water. It is the Betta Splendens. Or more commonly known as the Siamese Fighting Fish. Even though you could probably keep one alive in a shot glass, I would not recommend it.
One reason Bettas do well in extreme conditions is because they have adapted to warm, shallow, oxygen starved waters in their native habitat of Thailand and Vietnam. Unlike most fish, they have a special organ which allows them to breathe air at the water’s surface. It’s known as the labyrinth organ and it gives them the ability to survive in water with nearly zero oxygen levels. Another unique trait is their propensity to viciously attack other male Bettas. During dry seasons they often end up in small water puddles with other males, and like the ancient Siamese Warriors of Thailand, they will battle to their death in order to protect their area.
Besides being Leroy Brown kind of badass, here are a few more unique characteristics that make Bettas an ideal choice for first time fish keepers. (Click on Read More below)
They are hardy, easy to feed, don’t need expensive filter systems or large aquariums, and can be purchased for under $5. They can be kept successfully in small, filter-less fishbowls or a wineglass, but the ideal environment is a 3 gallon aquarium with a filter system.
There are a few downsides to owning a beta. They like warmer water than most fish—76 to 85 degrees. And they don't do well with tank-mates. Being carnivores they will try to eat anything they can get in their mouth—brine shrimp, blood worms or a tasty looking tank-mate. Conversely, larger more aggressive fish will attempt shredding their long beautiful fins. It seems they do best living a solitary life.
I would be remiss not to mention the often ignored female Betta. Compared to their male counter part the females are dull in color and have smaller fins. At first glance they are not impressive, but they are a hearty fish with a good nature. They do well in groups and color up nicely once they have settled in their new habitat. Their friendly disposition makes them a welcome guest in most any aquarium.
The video featured on this page is a Crowntail beta. He is an excellent example of what hundreds of years of selective breeding can do to create remarkable coloration and extravagant finnage. Crowntails are slightly more expensive than the regular Betta, costing about five or six dollars.
Most aquarists agree that the male Betta is one of the most beautiful freshwater fish available, and their low cost, simple maintenance make them one of the most popular. They typically live about 3 to 5 years in captivity. For more information read my article on Caring for your Betta Fish.
There are a few downsides to owning a beta. They like warmer water than most fish—76 to 85 degrees. And they don't do well with tank-mates. Being carnivores they will try to eat anything they can get in their mouth—brine shrimp, blood worms or a tasty looking tank-mate. Conversely, larger more aggressive fish will attempt shredding their long beautiful fins. It seems they do best living a solitary life.
I would be remiss not to mention the often ignored female Betta. Compared to their male counter part the females are dull in color and have smaller fins. At first glance they are not impressive, but they are a hearty fish with a good nature. They do well in groups and color up nicely once they have settled in their new habitat. Their friendly disposition makes them a welcome guest in most any aquarium.
The video featured on this page is a Crowntail beta. He is an excellent example of what hundreds of years of selective breeding can do to create remarkable coloration and extravagant finnage. Crowntails are slightly more expensive than the regular Betta, costing about five or six dollars.
Most aquarists agree that the male Betta is one of the most beautiful freshwater fish available, and their low cost, simple maintenance make them one of the most popular. They typically live about 3 to 5 years in captivity. For more information read my article on Caring for your Betta Fish.
