Both instinctive and learned behaviors of B. splendens have been studied in considerable detail. Its characteristic aggressive responses were studied in detail by Simpson (1968). They are readily elicited by its own reflection in a mirror placed outside an aquarium. Male Bettas flare their gill covers, called the opercula (sing. operculum), in response to certain situations. Flaring is the act of "puffing-out" the fins and gill covers as to appear more impressive, either to intimidate other fish (especially rival males) or as an act of courtship. Females will display horizontal bars (unless they are too light a color for this to show) if stressed or frightened, as will males. There have been instances of female bettas flaring, although this is much less common. Flirting fish behave similarly, with vertical instead of horizontal stripes indicating a willingness and readiness to breed.

Under the right temperature range, (24-29°C, or 75-84°F) bettas are normally very active fish. They have good eyesight and will learn to surface for feeding time when a hand appears over the bowl and other simple recognition tools. During darker parts of the day, they may "sleep" or rest on the bottom of the tank or just under the surface where they can breathe. Bettas are very territorial and require a place to hide, even if there are no threats. They will cling very close to any plant or rocky alcove they can find, becoming highly possessive of it.


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