What's the most important primary source on betta genetics?

The 2020 chromosome-level genome assembly (PubMed 32385046) and the 2022 genetic-architecture paper (PubMed 36129976). Between them they cover the reference genome and the major phenotypic loci.

Where do I check IUCN conservation status?

iucnredlist.org directly. Each species has its own assessment page with population trend, range, and threat codes.

Is Seriously Fish reliable?

Yes, for species profiles. Community-maintained, accurate on taxonomy and keeping requirements. Primary source for many wild-betta identification questions.

What's the best veterinary reference?

Merck Veterinary Manual for general disease treatment. University aquaculture extension publications for species-specific welfare research. Peer-reviewed journals for recent findings.

Betta Resources: Research, Organizations, and Further Reading

The most-cited references across the site, by category.

Peer-reviewed science

Genome and genetics

Betta splendens chromosome-level genome assembly, 2020, the reference genome.
Genetic architecture of phenotypic diversity, 2022, major trait mapping.
Brain-transcriptome synchronization in fighting pairs, PLOS Genetics, neurobiology.
Spatial cognition study, PubMed 26655891, learning and memory.

Welfare and care

Care and use of Siamese fighting fish in research, 2022, comprehensive welfare review.

Disease

Mycobacterium chelonae in B. splendens, 2023, commercial population survey.
Non-tuberculous mycobacterium virulence in bettas, 2023, pathogenesis.
Mycobacteriosis review, PMC7564596, general fish TB.
Walstad, Mycobacteriosis in Bettas, 2017, hobbyist-oriented summary.

Ecology and conservation

Aceh Betta diversity, 2022, wild habitat survey.
First captive breeding of Betta hendra, 2026, conservation milestone.

A male Betta imbellis showing the short-finned wild-type body plan and subtle iridescence. — Betta imbellis, a wild splendens-complex relative. The wild-betta literature (Seriously Fish, FishBase, IUCN) is where conservation context for the whole genus lives. *Photo: A.H Idham via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.*

Conservation organizations

[IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/), species conservation status.
IUCN Krabi endemic betta feature, 2025, habitat loss reporting.
GBIF, species occurrence records.

Taxonomic and species references

FishBase, authoritative fish species database.
Catalog of Fishes (California Academy of Sciences), taxonomy.
Seriously Fish species profiles, detailed keeping-oriented profiles.

Veterinary references

[Merck Veterinary Manual, Aquarium Fish](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/aquarium-fish/bacterial-diseases-of-fish), clinical standard.
AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (2020), euthanasia protocols.
CDC Mycobacterium information, zoonotic fish TB.

Organizations

International Betta Congress (IBC), show standards, breeder directory, community.
American Killifish Association, relevant for wild-betta keepers (overlapping community).
Aquarium Co-Op content, commercial but contains useful hobbyist information.

Historical primary sources

Biodiversity Heritage Library, Cantor 1849 description and Regan 1910 revision.
Thai Department of Fisheries, 2019 national aquatic animal decree (Thai-language official archives).

Commercial resources (buyer’s guides)

AquaBid auction site, primary marketplace for specialty bettas.
Seachem product documentation, Prime, Kanaplex, Stability references.
Fluval product documentation, heaters, tanks, filters.

Frequently referenced products on this site: Seachem Prime (affiliate) (water conditioner), API Freshwater Master Test Kit (affiliate), Seachem KanaPlex (affiliate). Full product context is in the individual articles; links here are for quick reference only.

Regulatory references

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species, Betta splendens, invasive status in the US.
EPA Safe Drinking Water, chloramine, tap water treatment.

How to use this page

When a claim matters for a decision you’re making (medication dosage, conservation assessment, tank size justification), follow the source to verify current status. This page is updated as new primary sources emerge.

If you’re writing your own betta content, cite these directly. Don’t cite a secondary source when the primary is accessible.

An indoor desk scene with a microscope, dried plant specimens, and an open illustrated natural-history book. — Primary literature, taxonomy, and observation. Most of what is asserted about bettas online traces back to a small number of papers - knowing which ones, and reading them, is the difference between informed practice and folklore. *Photo: Meri Verbina via Pexels (Pexels License (royalty-free, commercial use)).*

Frequently asked

What's the most important primary source on betta genetics?: The 2020 chromosome-level genome assembly (PubMed 32385046) and the 2022 genetic-architecture paper (PubMed 36129976). Between them they cover the reference genome and the major phenotypic loci.
Where do I check IUCN conservation status?: iucnredlist.org directly. Each species has its own assessment page with population trend, range, and threat codes.
Is Seriously Fish reliable?: Yes, for species profiles. Community-maintained, accurate on taxonomy and keeping requirements. Primary source for many wild-betta identification questions.
What's the best veterinary reference?: Merck Veterinary Manual for general disease treatment. University aquaculture extension publications for species-specific welfare research. Peer-reviewed journals for recent findings.