Have you ever wondered if Bettas and Gouramis are the same fish? It’s a common question, and one that many aquarium hobbyists struggle to answer.
If you’re trying to find out if they are the same species, or if there are differences between them, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the facts you need to know about Bettas and Gouramis, from their characteristics to their habitats, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not they are the same species.
So, let’s dive in!
Are Bettas Gouramis?
Bettas and gouramis are not the same species.
Bettas, or Siamese fighting fish, are part of the Osphronemidae family and are native to Southeast Asia.
Gouramis, of the Anabantidae family, are found in freshwaters of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Both bettas and gouramis are labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air and access oxygen from the atmosphere.
Bettas are usually more colorful, with reds, blues, and purples, while gouramis tend to be drab and muted.
Gouramis are also larger in size and have thick, rounded bodies.
Bettas are much more aggressive than gouramis, and should be kept in their own tank or with very peaceful tankmates.
Gouramis, on the other hand, are docile and can live in community tanks with other peaceful fish.
Despite their beauty and interesting behaviors, bettas and gouramis are not the same species.
Bettas are best kept in solo tanks, while gouramis are well-suited for community tanks.
Are Bettas A Type Of Gourami?
Bettas (Betta splendens) and Gouramis (Trichogaster) are both part of the same family – Osphronemidae, or the Anabantoid family.
But there are some key differences between them.
Bettas are a type of labyrinth fish, meaning they can breathe air directly from the surface of the water.
They are known for their vivid colors and long, flowing fins, and they are popular as aquarium fish, often kept in small tanks or bowls.
Gouramis, on the other hand, are also labyrinth fish, but they are generally larger than bettas and come in a variety of colors.
They lack the long, flowing fins that make bettas so recognizable.
They are also known for their intelligence and playfulness, and are popular as both aquarium fish and pet fish.
In conclusion, bettas and gouramis may both belong to the same family and have some similarities, but they are not the same type of fish.
Bettas are characterized by their bright colors and long fins, while gouramis are usually larger and come in a variety of colors.
Both fish have their own unique traits, making them ideal additions to any aquarium.
Are Bettas And Gouramis Related?
Yes, bettas and gouramis are related.
Both species belong to the Osphronemidae family, made up of Old World freshwater fish known as labyrinchiforms.
This family is further divided into the subfamily Anabantoidei, which includes bettas and gouramis.
These anabantoids have the special ability to breathe in atmospheric air and use it as oxygen, thanks to their labyrinth organ in the head.
This organ makes bettas and gouramis unique, and is why they’re commonly called “labyrinth fish”.
Despite the relation between bettas and gouramis, there are key differences.
Bettas are usually brightly colored and display long fins, whereas gouramis tend to be drably colored with shorter fins.
Additionally, bettas are highly territorial and not ideal for community tanks, while gouramis are usually peaceful and can be kept with other fish.
In conclusion, bettas and gouramis are related members of the same family and subfamily.
They both have the labyrinth organ and the ability to breathe atmospheric air.
However, they differ in coloration, fin length, and temperament.
What Fish Are Bettas Related To?
Bettas, also known as Siamese Fighting Fish, belong to the Gourami family, genus Betta, which consists of around 73 species.
This family is part of the Osphronemidae family, and of the order Anabantiformes, which includes all labyrinth fish.
These fish have a unique organ called a labyrinth organ, allowing them to breathe atmospheric air and extract oxygen from the air even in waters with low oxygen levels.
Bettas come in a variety of colors and patterns, and are well-known for their bright colors and long fins.
They can be aggressive when kept with other male bettas, which is why they are sometimes called fighting fish.
Bettas are popular aquarium fish and easy to care for, living up to five years in captivity with the right environment and diet.
As such, they are great for beginner aquarists, as they are quite hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions.
Can Dwarf Gouramis And Bettas Be In The Same Tank?
Dwarf gouramis and bettas can co-exist in the same tank if the environment is suitable for both species.
To mimic their natural habitat, a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places and plants is needed.
The water should be kept at a consistent temperature, and the pH levels should be slightly acidic.
These two fish species belong to the same family, Anabantidae, which consists of mostly peaceful species.
While they can become territorial and aggressive if the tank is too small or if their environment is unbalanced, this can be avoided by providing enough space and an even number of each species.
To make sure both species are healthy, provide them with a varied diet rich in nutrients, plenty of room to swim, hiding places, and plants for shelter.
Give them a variety of live and frozen foods, such as blood worms and brine shrimp.
In conclusion, dwarf gouramis and bettas can be housed in the same tank if the environment is suitable for both species.
By providing enough space, hiding places, and a balanced diet, you can ensure that they are both healthy and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
So, are Bettas and Gouramis the same species? The answer is no! While they share some similarities in terms of behavior and habitat, they are two distinct species.
Bettas are native to Southeast Asia, while Gouramis are native to India and Sri Lanka.
They also have different characteristics, such as coloration and size, which distinguish them from each other.
Now that you know the facts, its time to decide if you want to add either a Betta or a Gourami to your aquarium.
With the knowledge you now have, you can make an informed decision thats best for you and your fish.