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Siamese fighting fish
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Siamese fighting fish

noun

Definition of SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH

: a brightly colored betta (Betta splendens) that has highly aggressive males and is a popular aquarium fish

Illustration of SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH

First Known Use of SIAMESE FIGHTING FISH

1929

Siamese fighting fish

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens).—Douglas Faulkner

Freshwater tropical fish (Betta splendens; family Belontiidae or Anabantidae), noted for the males' pugnacity toward one another. A native of Thailand, it was domesticated there for use in contests. Combat consists mainly of fin nipping and is accompanied by a display of extended gill covers, spread fins, and intensified colouring. This slender fish grows to about 2.5 in. (6.5 cm) long. In the wild it is predominantly greenish or brown, with red fins; domesticated, it has been bred with long, flowing fins and in a variety of colours, such as red, green, blue, and lavender.

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