Catching Wild Bettas in their habitat in Thailand with underwater footage! - FranksBettas

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Whilst on a trip to Pattaya, Thailand I decided to explore a thriving densely plant packed marshland in the middle of the city full of wild bettas Splendens. A water runoff from the city creates a lush marshland full of mosquitoes and food which provides plenty of food for wild bettas and croaking gourami's to inhabit.

As a conservationist I try my best to breed and re-release just like in my other videos however this time was a trip to just have some fun and see how this habitat was doing, As of 3/15/2021 half of this habitat has been filled in in by new projects creating an even more risk for this bloodline to one day vanish. It's lucky that I bought about 5 pairs back which have now raised over 1,000+ babies since the time of this video so hopefully one day we can relocate or re-lease back.

Q & A?

Why put them all in a small bottle?
Whilst catching these fish they must not be in too large of a container due to their aggressive behavior otherwise they'll fight and nip, using a small container or bottle has always been the ways and ensures that the fish does not fight.

Will holding with your hands be okay?

Yes I hold them for no more than 20 seconds at most and hands are almost always wet, this ensures their slimecoat does not get damaged.

Will nets and catching harm the fish?

Netting any fish will be stressful but this is the only method that has been used to catch these fish effectively and any damaged fins or scales will heal in a few days with meds and tannins.

To look and learn more about wild bettas You can follow my work by these socials.

WA [phone]

[andrewchandler]

The underwater footage is my favorite part. It’s so amazing to get a glimpse into a world we often don’t get to see.

[Bobby]

It was great to get a glimpse of what their natural environment is like.

[westwingaero]

your efforts for conservation of these species are incredible, will be getting more once shipping resumes

[kerrypitt]

Frank this is important! Here in Canada, Bettas are horribly abused. Pet shops and people who do not understand their habitat, keeping them in 1.5 cups of water, hanging on a rack. The fish look depressed, when you are looking at them. They have no idea of how they actually live. It is disgusting! Thank you for one of the best Betta videos I've ever seen!! Well done!

[AdelardRen]

I mean, the domestics are beautiful, with such a variety of colors, but the wild types are absolutely _stunning._
The colors and patterns are so unique.
Beautiful area too.

[Raverzdreams]

Petco would say that's deep enough for a few whales

[mayadepp]

What u do is incredible. Not only do u breed them to keep their bloodline but u also show people that they dont actually live in small puddles and they love alot of space

[virginiaorosco]

This was amazing to watch! As a betta lover, it’s so cool to see where they come from in the wild and see all the incredible work you do to preserve the species

[SamsonFernendez]

Omg, the betta at the end is prettier than any fancy types. Gorgeous!

[epe-equestrianpatterneduca]

I love that this is educational about where they come from within Thailand as well as their environment

[DreamWriteCreate]

Love how you help to protect their natural habitats and always raise them with such care.

[solum_mirari]

It’s amazing how naturally colorful and beautiful these fish are. The fancy domesticated breeds are gorgeous, I have a lavender dumbo myself, but you’ve got to admire how pretty nature made the wild bettas.

[delmen]

Honestly really happy that you're trying to conserve the natural species!!

[dreamo]

Animals being documented in their own environment instead of one man made is beautiful thank you for the betta videos I cannot wait for more

[impoisonivy]

The work you do is amazing! Conservation of wild bettas is so important to the success of the species and their dying habitat.

[jade]

I absolutely adore wilds over fancy and domestics, I love what you're doing here and your dedication to the species!!

[faes]

I'd love to see a video just of underwater, like 5 minutes long maybe of a place with some interesting fish swimming around in it. Like 5 minutes of those massive gouramis would be awesome. Great video tho, glad to see a good update

[MultiRainday]

When you talked about the snakehead and the ecosystem you deserved my like and subscribe.

[lvscarystories]

You make me miss Thailand. Catching wild betta is on my top ten to-do list.

[IMaqua]

Thanks Frank for all the conservation work and trying to save these beautiful creatures. Wild bettas are so interesting to observe.