What Is Betta splendens Regan, 1910?
- Scientific
Classification:
Betta splendens is a species in the genus Betta, family Osphronemidae (gouramis), suborder Anabantoidei. It is often called the Siamese Fighting Fish. The authority “Regan, 1910” indicates that Charles Tate Regan formally described it in 1910. Wikispecies+2Wikipedia+2 - Key
Features:
In the wild, B. splendens tends to have relatively modest coloration (browns, greens, sometimes subtle iridescence), short fins (especially compared to ornamental/domesticated strains), and strong territorial behavior in males. It has the labyrinth organ, allowing it to survive in water with low oxygen by breathing air. Wikipedia+2aquarium-pond-answers.com+2
Discovery: Who, When, and Where
- Who
discovered / described it: Charles Tate Regan, a British
ichthyologist, formally named Betta splendens in 1910, in
his work “The Asiatic fishes of the family Anabantidae”. Wikispecies+2Zenodo+2
- Type
locality and specimens:
The lectotype (the primary example specimen used to define the species) is from the Mae Nam Chao Phraya (Menam River) in Thailand. The lectotype was designated later, by Schaller & Kottelat in 1989. There are also paralectotypes (other type series specimens). Wikispecies - Earlier
names / synonymy:
Before Regan’s description, related fish had been referred to under other names (for example Macropodus pugnax by Cantor, 1849), but these were revised. Regan’s description established the currently accepted scientific name. Zenodo+1
Natural Origin, Distribution & Habitat
- Native
Range:
Betta splendens is native to Southeast Asia. Its wild range includes: - Central
and eastern Thailand (especially in the basins of the Chao Phraya, Mae
Khlong rivers) Wikipedia+2journal.nsm.or.th+2
- Parts
of Cambodia (historically “Kampuchea”) Wikipedia
- Southern
Vietnam Wikipedia
- Possibly
Laos Wikipedia+1
- Habitat
Types:
In its natural environment, B. splendens is found in shallow, still or slow-moving freshwater systems. Typical habitats include: - Rice
paddies
- Floodplains
- Ditches,
shallow ponds, canals, edges of slow rivers with vegetation Wikipedia+2aquarium-pond-answers.com+2
These habitats are often subject to variable conditions:
fluctuations in water level, temperature, oxygen content, and sometimes poor
water quality. The labyrinth organ allows it to tolerate low dissolved oxygen. Wikipedia+1
- Where
It Has Lived the Most / Strongholds:
The highest concentration and most stable wild populations are in Thailand—especially in its central plains (Chao Phraya basin, etc.). These areas historically (and to some degree today) provide large expanses of suitable habitat (rice fields, marshes, canals). Wikipedia+1
Elsewhere (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos), B. splendens
occurs more patchily and under greater environmental stress. Introduction by
humans also causes populations outside its native range. Wikipedia
Biodiversity & Ecological Importance
- Ecological
Role:
Betta splendens functions as both predator and prey in its ecosystems. As a predator, it consumes insect larvae (including mosquitoes), small invertebrates and zooplankton — helping to regulate populations of potentially harmful species. As prey, it contributes to food webs involving larger fish, birds, and other predators. Its ability to survive in habitats with low oxygen also means it occupies ecological niches less available to many other fish. Wikipedia+1 - Biodiversity
Significance:
- Adaptation
to marginal habitats: The labyrinth organ and tolerance of harsh,
variable water conditions allow B. splendens to persist in
environments undergoing seasonal changes, flooding, drying, or low
oxygen.
- Genetic
diversity and wild vs. domesticated lines: Wild populations represent
genetic stock that is different (less exaggerated fin shapes, coloration,
behavior) from domesticated forms. Conserving wild populations aids in
maintaining genetic diversity, which may be important both for ecology
and for aquaculture/ornamental fish industries.
- Indicator
species: Because B. splendens depends on shallow wetlands and
vegetated still waters, its health (population size, distribution) is
often a sign of wetland ecosystem condition. Habitat degradation,
pollution, water management (e.g. drainage, conversion of paddies) will
show early effects in species like this.
- Human
uses / cultural value: Though more a socio‐ecological
than strictly biodiversity function, the species is very important to
humans: as an ornamental fish globally, as part of cultural practices
(fighting fish historically), and even in disease control (in some
settings) because they eat mosquito larvae. This human interaction both
increases demand (which can lead to overcollection or domestication) but
also offers incentives for conservation.
- Conservation
Status & Threats:
- According
to IUCN, Betta splendens is listed as Vulnerable. mybis.gov.my+1
- Major
threats include habitat loss (especially drainage or conversion of
wetlands, rice paddies, canals), water pollution, urbanization, and
agricultural runoff. Also, hybridization and genetic dilution via release
of domesticated or non‐wild‐type
bettas may threaten wild genetic integrity.
Summary & Where Betta splendens Lives Today vs
Historically
- Today:
Wild populations are still found in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos,
although often more fragmented. Thailand remains the primary stronghold.
Some populations exist or have been introduced elsewhere via the pet trade
or accidental release. Suitable wetland habitat is under pressure, but
some rice paddies, canals, and vegetated ditches still support wild or
semi‐wild populations.
- Historically
/ Stronger Range: The species’ most robust, continuous presence has
been in central Thailand’s river plains — especially the Chao Phraya basin
and adjacent river systems — including Mae Khlong etc. These areas
provided large expanses of shallow, vegetated water (rice fields, natural
marshes) which allowed stable populations.
- Type
Locality “Menam River / Mae Nam Chao Phraya, Thailand” is the official
location tied to the formal species definition. That gives a concrete
anchor to its native core range. Wikispecies
Sources & References
- Wikipedia
— Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamese_fighting_fish - Species
Wiki — Betta splendens Regan, 1910
https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Betta_splendens - International
Betta Congress (IBC) — About Betta splendens
https://www.ibcbettas.org/about-betta-splendens/ - IUCN
Red List — Betta splendens
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9138/3169474 - Scientific
Publication: “Betta splendens (Regan, 1910)” in Encyclopedia of Life
Sciences
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-47829-6_2027-1 - Bioflux
Journal: Ecology and distribution of Betta splendens in Thailand
https://www.bioflux.com.ro/docs/2017.977-982.pdf - MyBIS
(Malaysian Biodiversity Information System)
https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/23398 - Zenodo.org
— Taxonomic revision and lectotype designation
https://zenodo.org/records/5449050
