Phylum: Chordata
Class: Osteichthyes
Order: Perciformes
- Suborder: Anabantoidei
Genus: Betta
Species: Betta splendens
Commonly, (and improperly), known as Bettas, (which is actually a genus, not a species.) Known for their bright colors and long life span, Bettas are incredibly popular in the aquarium circuit.
Bettas are part of the unique suborder Anabantoidei, which are perciform ray-finned freshwater fishes. All of the fishes in this suborder contain a labyrinth organ, which can take oxygen directly out of the atmosphere, i.e. the air, without using gills, lungs, et cetera. This allows the Betta to survive in very shallow waters like puddles and stuff.
I had two at one time. Turns out, they were both males. You know how I found that out? They killed each other.
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