A betta is a small, brightly colored freshwater fish known for its flowing fins and aggressive personality. Also called Siamese fighting fish, bettas come from the rice paddies and slow-moving streams of Southeast Asia, where males will fight fiercely to defend their territory.

Male bettas display spectacular colors: deep blues, vibrant reds, iridescent greens, and even purple or white. Their fins flow like silk scarves in water. Female bettas are smaller, with shorter fins and more muted colors. Because males will attack each other on sight, pet stores keep them in separate containers.

Despite their fighting reputation, bettas can recognize their owners and learn simple tricks. They're popular pets because they're hardy and beautiful. In Thailand, people have bred bettas for hundreds of years, originally for competitions but now mostly for their extraordinary beauty. A well-cared-for betta can live three to five years, bringing daily flashes of color to your home.