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

Please Read!
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.
FB page: / wildbettasthailand
Instagram: FranksBetta
website: www.franksbettas.com
Email: [e-mail]
WA [phone]

[@Franksbettas]

NEW HABITAT VIDEO IS UP! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXeVdKGNoJionac

[@andrewchandler6488]

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.

[@samg1879]

I'm surprised how clear the water actually is

[@GrandpaRedRum]

Ya same here. Wish there was more underwater footage than then scraping grass.

[@innerworldcrafts5218]

Trueeeeeeee

[@masterk5372]

Agree

[@broksii9035]

Ratio

[@Natuesanomalies]

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

[@urielhernandez4319]

Yeah Petco and most US pet stores store fish so badly. They would see a really small bird fountain and go " Yo look at this perfect Megalodon tank "

[@Portnowthrifts]

They would put a pacu in a 5 gallon

[@jeffalbillar7625]

The few Petcos that I've been inside of have been very well kept.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@urielhernandez4319 how would you know? Are you from the United States?

[@urielhernandez4319]

@@jeffalbillar7625 Yeah, i wouldn't have said that if I was from somewhere out of the US lol, wouldn't make any sense

[@kerrypitt9789]

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!

[@pabloandrew38]

I bought 1 and put him in a 20 gallon heated tank by himself. You can't win though. If you save them you're supporting the industry.

[@rmtb_aiden]

It is honestly terrible. They are treated like decor rather than living species. I am not a vegan or vegetarian, but we shouldn't be messing with nature like that. Pet stores can do better by keeping them in slightly bigger, and cleaned regularly tanks. ALSO the little cups look dirty every time I go which obviously isn't helping the fish. Animals are starting to be treated less and less like animals, but maybe that is because we don't see our selves has humans anymore. I say this because we basically broke away from nature and manipulate it like this.

[@Bobby11]

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

[@Xavierkmx]

Where are the pink and blue rocks?

[@Zer-db1bp]

@@Xavierkmx hidden under all the detritus and debris.

[@valkiria1586]

You know that's it's fake right?

[@Bobby11]

@@valkiria1586 whats fake?

[@valkiria1586]

@@Bobby11 that it's their natural environment, they just put them there and stared to pick them up and act like the fish really live there. If they did they would be easily couch by birds and other animals

[@westwingaero]

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

[@Franksbettas]

Thank you!

[@zalialyon1853]

Are you in the states?? Do you resell his bettas?

[@Franksbettas]

@@zalialyon1853 I only sell captive bred lines that i breed you can find me here facebook.com/wildbettasthailand

[@westwingaero]

@@zalialyon1853 unfortunately not, I buy as a hobbyist

[@MontanaPDX]

By catching wild betas to sell? It wasn't to far to go and catch them but it's to far to release? Nah, he just can't sell what he releases.

[@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.

[@mayadeppweber7790]

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

[@arsjmedia5100]

“That’s my wife” ❤️ proud family.

[@virginiaorosco1340]

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

[@Franksbettas]

Thank you!

[@damiangrouse4564]

@@Franksbettas Great vid. Is there a source for wild stock in the US?

[@Franksbettas]

@@damiangrouse4564 i ship dirrctly to usa

[@damiangrouse4564]

@@Franksbettas I don’t use Facebook or Twitter. Do you have a website with pricing & shipping info?

[@christopherlee445]

I feel like you're trying to be very careful with how you word things and what you say to not upset people. It's a shame so many people don't realize what you're doing is necessary and beneficial not only for people in the hobby but the bettas as well. Edit: just noticed your instagram, copper aliens are beautiful O.o I am curious about that new color variant as well post info please.

[@Franksbettas]

Yes i just had to explain in it a way people who are new to understand before they take the wrong judgement

[@SamsonFernendez]

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

[@effervescentrelief]

I'm a serious fan of wild types over the domestics.

[@epe-equestrianpatterneduca6184]

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

[@Franksbettas]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@faes6471]

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

[@aw3ff340]

The Guuramis weren't massive just seemed large on camera.

[@delmen8438]

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

[@solum_mirari5925]

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.

[@klcpca]

The way we keep fish in the hobby is vastly different that their natural habitat ... it's surprising they actually survive in our care...

[@MultiRainday]

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

[@DreamWriteCreate]

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

[@SuryaPrakash-su4yd]

I prefer wilds more than any other bettas, I would love to have al kinds of wild species 😍😍

[@Franksbettas]

Thanks for watching!

[@SuryaPrakash-su4yd]

@@Franksbettas ua welcome Mr.Frank and I love the video 😍

[@fumaaa5643]

Idk man, ive caught wild livebearers and they arent as colorful as the captive bred

[@pogga3051]

Niceeeee better than those fake ytber realising bettas and recatch them 😌

[@jaz58107]

I didn't even know these existed in the wild like that - just watched a video of award winning Plakats and this one was exactly the same as the one in the video. Mind...blown😍😍😍

[@Franksbettas]

Edit: permenent conservation pond project idea for those wondering how i am also helping them-- m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1336188373413429&id=493896427642632 Please Read! 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. FB page: facebook.com/wildbettasThailand/ Instagram: instagram.com/FranksBetta website: www.franksbettas.com Email: [e-mail] WA [phone]

[@calvenwong8881]

Wow you have some serious dedication😄

[@henrikg785]

Your work there is amazing!

[@Lazy_Fish_Keeper]

So, what date did you originally visit this wetland area? It's a shame to hear that Thailand has not learned from the capitalist mistakes of the west....

[@Franksbettas]

@@Lazy_Fish_Keeper back in december, this place has now been filled in by nee goverment project

[@mikaelafox6106]

@@Franksbettas What?!?! That’s terrible!!! All of those bettas that you guys caught were very lucky. That makes me sad to think of all of the bettas and other fish they killed.

[@keemixvico975]

"Don't worry betta don't live in big pond in nature" The pond :

[@lvscarystories8919]

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

[@jade3987]

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

[@masterk5372]

Agree

[@masterk5372]

Hi jade where from if u don’t mind me asking

[@qpaintsalot6286]

Control your hormones

[@dreamo5478]

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

[@Xbounmy]

Would love to see more underwater footage if possible frank.

[@zyern2822]

PLEASE

[@impoisonivy2130]

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

[@blackosprey2219]

HOLY- that is a drop-dead gorgeous fish! I'd actually consider giving bettas another chance if I could get ahold of one of those.

[@halliehasanimals1097]

Love the work that you’re doing!! Happy to hear there will be more videos to come!

[@Nitidus]

The Copper Alien pair that I got from you arrived so incredibly healthily. They adjusted without any problem and were fully colored after just one day. Very little signs of stress, even though they traveled around half the globe to get to me. The male looks like in your promo videos, I honestly didn't expect that. Thought those were only the best ones, not the average. I'm so happy with the purchase and will be back for more someday!

[@Marketsolo]

I lived in Bangkok years ago and this brings back happy memories!

[@livecamtravel8386]

Where in Thailand they can be found ?

[@Marketsolo]

Brackish low water..or in large urns of water where they kept the mosquito larva down.

[@annielin3413]

It’s really neat that you take the time to do this! Great video!

[@Dewclaw83]

You always make the best videos! Love how educational this one is, plus it’s so awesome to see the natural habitat! It’s really cool - hope to see more!

[@IMaqua]

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

[@FamiliarOddlings]

Thank you for making these videos! It's amazing to see not only the habitat (and underwater too!) But also the process. Thank you for explaining about the plastic bags as well - it's so important to keep everyone informed about conservation and keeping the wild species going!

[@ErCaAi]

Love to see u back, hope we can see more of ur stuff in future!

[@raemcgrath1295]

Love how informative your videos always are!

[@robinleelee8729]

I loved seeing the natural habitat. Such a great thing you do for the bettas, thank you for that. I love these guys so much, so special and personable.

[@KatDK94]

Those floating plants looks absolutely beautiful 😍

[@tonymeman5462]

Thanks for all of those videos about their natural habitat ! Enjoying all of your videos

[@savannahshirley9903]

Thank you so much for the hard work you put into them! I love seeing them in their natural habitat!

[@Wildfire275]

Wow, that male you showed at the end is gorgeous! The conservation work you do to help these wild populations is amazing. Definitely will be getting a betta from your breeding lines one day.

[@djplumking]

i love the conservation efforts you do in addition to breeding the beautiful guys you breed! hopefully you can keep up the little pond bog like areas and keep the wild types going.

[@Franksbettas]

Thank you!

[@Jazzfeather]

I am so glad you are back to posting videos! I love seeing their natural environment, especially with the underwater footage.

[@prfiktly_me]

Love seeing all the growth going on with your bettas.

[@bubthewub]

Was just looking at your Bettas yesterday. Would be amazing if I won such a high quality fish! Thanks for the Betta content

[@g.keshanraj]

Hello sir. I love your videos and love the way you trying to save the native bettas from extinct. Huge respect for your effort from Malaysia. 💯❤️

[@boxturtleblue]

I appreciate your content, Frank.Thank you for sharing these habitat and species videos.

[@benarthur9218]

Love the work you're doing to preserve the habitat of these amazing fish. Keep up the good work!

[@Vcaser]

Thank you so much for the underwater footage, it is very educational! I know my big half moon never lived in the wild, but he instinctively appreciates all the plants I have grown for him to hide in and swim through. Thanks for all you do!

[@squigglesalamode3276]

It’s honestly so amazing to see wild bettas in their natural habitats. Thank you for your conservation efforts :)

[@zhuoming95]

Glad to see another video from you Frank! Its been awhile!

[@BensAquariums]

I love what you did in this video! Don’t stop. Keep it up! 😍❤️

[@davidrsoria]

Hey, love the fish, love your passion, keep up the great work, very glad you're trying to protect and save these amazing fish!

[@Franksbettas]

Thanks so much David!

[@giacomobura940]

I was waiting for a new video lo learn more about them thank you! Wish to find more people as you that they clean the environment! Let's hope I'll be lucky! My new thank is waiting for a new betta!

[@dawnlatimer1934]

All the wilds I have gotten from you are spectacular! Thanks for doing your part in preserving the pure lines.

[@MsRataplan01]

Awesome that you are back!

[@jackfreezes5597]

I’ve always wandered how their natural habitats look like since it’s quite complicated to breed them. Now my question is answered. Great video 🔥❤️👍

[@allyssa6053]

It's so cool that you can just go out and scoop up some beautiful fish. My betta just passed away and I wish I could go on a Betta hunting adventure!

[@DazzledDream]

It's nice seeing their habitat, I think the wilds are gorgeous! Love what you are doing with the conservation.

[@jalennewkirk8427]

Thank you for all your hard work in preserving these beautiful animals. The color of your Bettas are insane! 😍

[@Pineanana]

I love seeing the environments you find these fish in. It's so sad that the developing world can't develop around nature and accept it as part of the design. They were recently talking about putting in a wildlife bridge over a highway near me. There's always solutions to help wildlife and humans.

[@luxuriantten1854]

In my country, the Netherlands, we have many of those wildlife bridges! They connect dozens of nature reserves which are separated by highways. We also have many tunnels underneath roads for animals to cross safely :)

[@sharonjack7239]

Very INTERESTING!! I do hope the eel got released too. I like how you put the other wild ones like the snakehead fish back to keep the ecosystem. THANKS for a wonderful video!! USA

[@juliusrademann1494]

Finally a very good, interesting and informative video to this wonderfull animals. Thank you Frank

[@dusk1947]

Yes, I love wild habit videos. The underwater shots are really superb. And the additional context and information was great.

[@UnchainedWispy]

That eel was pretty cool. Are they common, could you possibly do a feature about them at some point? Honestly I love the look at the various species in that environment. Keep up the good work!

[@DanielKeepingFish]

Loved it Frank. You must take us fishing with you again. The part with the plastic bags was hard to watch but hopefully someone operating similar to yourself as you said. 🤞 Really enjoyed the video anyway. Take care bud.

[@jenniferstevenson9618]

WOW! The coloring-up of the male you collected is incredible! Great work!

[@Npossibly]

Always looking forwards for all your future videos brother Frank.

[@josephemmanuelqueddeng5114]

The colors of that male is stunning!

[@Franksbettas]

I know right!?

[@ravithejasuresh1266]

@@Franksbettas u have really good bloodline my friend

[@czechaoife5124]

I loved this video a lot. I really enjoyed seeing the environment splendens lives in. I keep mahachaiensis, so I would appreciate seeing habitat of these too. ;-) Good luck!

[@Franksbettas]

Maybe one day i can take the trip!

[@shahirahnushasa9492]

I loved all of your videos , like a lot ! ❤️ Lots of information I got from your videos ! Thank you for conserving these native wild bettas . I hope everyone has a kind mind like you . Keep going on with your works ! 👍🏻 Hoping to see more videos from your channel . Respect from Malaysia ❤️✨👍🏻

[@kiernanscanlon8965]

Loved that underwater footage! So great to see their natural habitat from their perspective, but especially the footage of the gourami nest!

[@neppgaming941]

I like how the tone of your voice changes when you speak thai and english

[@kengaroo6528]

My English and Hmong voice is quite similar too 🤔

[@Nurais89]

Can u make a short video about the crab, id and details.

[@fbasantajr]

Great to have you back, from NYC

[@SamPonjican]

This is such a great video with an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate what a Betta habitat is like, and the state of your important conservation efforts!

[@wolfshunned]

Awesome video! I cannot believe how beautiful that male colored up after a few weeks. I thought wilds were dark in color, even after acclimating, that fish was gorgeous!

[@christiancarlzarsuelo4679]

That youtube channel who's catching fancy Bettas in the wild habitat. I think they're responsible for that plastics lol 😂

[@alistairrego4265]

Fascinating getting to see an underwater view of a natural betta habitat! Thanks for sharing!

[@leonardolopes6390]

It's awesome to see how untouched and natural the wild betta habitats really are 🤗 great video mate! Cheers

[@parvusbellator7802]

I am very open to see more about the habitats where these little guys living. Maybe I can copy a bit for the little guy at home. 🙂

[@kayleajenkins4460]

They're so pretty to look at. Such large personalities in a small body

[@kevinvang1115]

Love seeing the underwater footage of a bettas natural habitat. Been raising wilds for a while now so it gives me a really good understanding and idea of what I want to strive for in the future.

[@obxyacuajun_official2531]

Looking at their natural habitat is so astonishing and many fishes were there too! So excited to see more videos in the future!

[@harrygoldberg2164]

Great video, good luck to everyone on the giveaway, been looking to get a wild so hope I win!

[@Mopar063]

Awesome video thanks for the opportunity to have one of your amazing fish frank!

[@petercost2295]

Thanks Frank from France for all your work and for the quality of yours bettas !

[@iamSketchH]

Wading in that water, I'd be afraid of mosquitos, water snakes (like venomous water moccasins), leeches, snapping turtles, alligators... Where I grew up, you could hear alligators in the woods bellowing by the waterside. We have crocodiles, too. But I think they're more rare. Love these videos! I think it would be cool to set up beta tanks to look like the underwater shots you made. ♥

[@katiebug217]

What were those floating plants called? You said you'd name them in editing but didn't 😥🥺

[@h.r.9563]

My disappointment is immeasurable

[@akabga]

Same

[@elina7038]

I found another comment where he had answered the same question :) He says the plant is Salvinia molesta

[@katelynnlee1423]

Very neat video!!! Love seeing how these beauties occur in the wild!

[@bunnyI3oy15]

Wow it’s incredible how the wilds colors are super vibrant I love the greenish ones the most

[@jimzmanobie958]

I LIKE THIS WILD TYPE BETTA BUT ITS SO EXPENSIVE DAMN IL CHOOSE CB BETTA THAN WC

[@sarahyvonne847]

Please set up a gofundme for the recent demolition that happened to one of your habitats. I will look forward to seeing it on your Facebook. You deserve all the help! Thank you for all you do! -RahRah Yvonne

[@drixxmarlo5398]

A very nice video on showing the natural habitat of the wild bettas! I hope more people will be encouraged on doing what you are doing! Cheers!

[@fishywishy5434]

You and Mr pisces the cryptic fish are my favorite fishtubers! Keep it up! 💯

[@Sprinkesbakeshop]

“Bettas can live in a cup” so can ppl that doesn’t mean we should look at how large their natural homes are! Give your bettas 20 gal longs at least. There’s also tons of betta rescues 💙

[@goosesnap5386]

20 gallons is a lot for a betta, it would be wasting space for long finned bettas who are less active. 5 gallons is great.

[@Sprinkesbakeshop]

@@goosesnap5386 It's not great and you wouldn't know that until you've given your betta a large amount of room and see how much they flourish. Fish need stimulation and as much room to swim as we can spare. If all you can give is 5 then don't get one. "Less active" is happening because of depression in the fish.

[@CWildex]

Don’t mine me, just trying to win a copper alien male

[@Thiago4Jazz]

Your care with scientific accuracy in your videos makes them great. Keep going on! Greetings from Brazil Take care!

[@aljedlimpao4437]

Nice video Frank. Pls keep it coming🙂