how do betta fish breathe? HELP!!!?

[Christina B]

do they breathe like humans or breathe under water.

[Gurgle Food]

They breath through water AND air. They use their gills and bring their mouth to the surface for air.

[ZooTycoonMaster]

They breathe like both.

They do have gills to breathe with, but they also have a labyrinth organ which allows them to breathe the air above the surface. This leads to the misconception that they can be kept in small tanks/bowls, which is NOT TRUE. They still need a 2.5 gallon tank WITH a filter and heater.

[imported_FishFreak95]

They breath both. betta fish have a special organ that allows them to breathe air(Labyrinth Organ ). they can actually drown!LOL. They use this because they live in a low oxygen water environment. one time i had a betta that got stuck under something and he wasnt squished, he couldnt get to the surface and he died . They should get at least a 5 gallon aquarium. they actually live in these huge giant pond like things. Not Small rice paddies.

Hope this helps!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TRISHA]

Betta's gulp air from the surface

[Julie]

Like all fish, they breathe through gills which must be kept wet.