IconSiam shows the Siamese fighting fish in all its glory
In the new shopping center IconSiam an exhibition of the Siamese fighting fish. This beautiful looking fish, also known as “Betta” in English, has recently been declared the national aquatic animal of Thailand.
The Siamese fighting fish
The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) is a popular freshwater aquarium fish belonging to the Osphronemidae family, in the order of the perch family. It is a fish averaging six inches in length. It has a large, posterior dorsal fin. The pelvic and dorsal fins are elongated. The Siamese fighting fish is known for its beautiful colors, often blue, red or orange, but almost every conceivable color and color combination can be encountered. Incidentally, it is the males who have the outward beauty, females often have simple and small fins.
Aquarium
The Siamese fighting fish is well suited as an aquarium fish because it adapts easily to its environment. However, it is necessary to have water plants, because he often needs to hide. But something that is impossible is keeping two males in one aquarium. They will fight until one dies. It is a true massacre, which is exploited in East Asian countries in special fighting fish fights, where people bet on which male will win.
History
Siamese fighting fish have existed in Thai history, literature and records for hundreds of years. The fish is mentioned in records dating back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom and dates back to the 14th century. The Bangkok Post wrote in an article about the exhibition in IconSiam that the fish evokes feelings of nostalgia in elderly Thais. In earlier years, the fish was caught in rivers and canals, but the Siamese fighting fish is hardly found in the wild.
Retail
There is a growing trade in Siamese fighting fish worldwide, which generates about 1 billion baht per year and is expected to generate as much as 3 billion baht in the coming years.
Source: Bangkok Post/Wikipedia