0_Apprentice
Hey, I used to have betta fish. Have you ever had one?
1_Wizard
I have! I loved the ones that I had in my aquarium, because I was specifically looking for a freshwater ray-finned fish,and these were part of the gourami family, so they were very colorful. 
0_Apprentice
Oh cool. I didn't know they were from the gourami family. I think I remember something about them eating mosquito larva in rice paddies where theyre from.
1_Wizard
Yeah, they're interesting little guys. They spawn in two different ways, either through bubble nests, like the B.Splendens, or through being a mouthbrooder, like the B.picta, if you want specific examples. They're quite unique!
0_Apprentice
Oh I only remember the bubble nest kind. I tried breeding mine once but I lost patience with it. I ordered some special leaves that released tannins  in the water. and the male built the bubble nest under the leaf.
1_Wizard
Yeah, the mouthbrooding species, they're known as "pseudo bettas," because they're kind of considered to have evolved from the nest-builders in a sort of adaptation to their fast-moving stream habitats. Evolution is interesting!
0_Apprentice
Oh yeah that is different. I think the bubble nest kind are in more stagnant waters. Do the mouthbrooders have any other cool adaptations? 
1_Wizard
Well, just in general, this type of fish has an ability to thrive in low-oxygen water conditions that would leave most other fish dead. These environments are places like rice paddies, slow-moving streams,drainage ditches, and even large puddles. They're very versatile.
0_Apprentice
They sure are. Evolution and nature are incredible. 