Origin of the Siamese Fighting Fish and Betta Fish Names
Although there are many species of Betta, the most common species that is kept and bred is known as the Betta splendens or the Siamese Fighting Fish.
The name “Betta” is said to be derived from an ancient Asian warrior clan known as the Bettah, although some accounts differ.
Bettas have their origins in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam where, some 150 years ago, the sport of fighting Bettas was actually regulated and taxed by the King of Siam. As popular then as boxing is today, people would bet all of their money, and sometimes their personal belongings and children, on the outcome of just one fight. Thailand was once known as Siam which explains the Siamese Fighting Fish label.