Help save the uglies!

Betta fish, more commonly known as fighting fish are one of the most popular choices for aquarium pets. But did you know that the ancestors of these colourful, pretty fish are actually one of the dullest-looking fish species?

Enter the Betta Splendens. These fish are native to South-East Asia and come in plain green, grey and brown colourations. Besides appearances, the Betta Splendens act and function exactly like their domesticated counterparts, ready to fight to assert dominance.  Unfortunately, due to their ugly appearance, little effort has been made to rear them outside of their natural habitat which faces man-made destruction.

Thankfully, some Singaporean collectors have taken it upon themselves to protect the endangered Betta Splendens by raising them in special tanks that simulates their natural environment. More details here.