Fighting fish to become national symbol in boost for fishing industry

By The Nation

 

Photo from: www.nycsmokefreeblog.org

 

The Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval for the Siamese fighting fish to become Thailand’s national aquatic animal.

 

Such recognition of the creature (official name, Betta splendens) as proposed by the National Identity Committee would help preserve these world-famous colourful fish in the wild, said deputy government spokesman Colonel Athisit Chainuwat.

 

It would also boost their farming for commercial purposes and thus generate a huge income and allowing it become the country’s unique fishery symbol, he said.

 

Siamese fighting fish have existed in Thai history, literature and records for hundreds of years. The fish is mentioned in records dating back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom, which dates back to the 14th Century. Historically it was bred for sports but nowadays most people raise the fish as a hobby. 

 

Growing trade in Siamese fighting fish generates about Bt1 billion per year globally, with that figure projected to reach Bt3 billion in the next few years.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30363576

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-02-05

15 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Siamese fighting fish to become national symbol

Fat chance against this boy which was just released into the streams. National white flag coming up!

 

Could be a much better symbol than other wildlife image of a roasting panther of a fat blokes BBQ ????

35 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Growing trade in Siamese fighting fish generates about Bt1 billion per year globally, with that figure projected to reach Bt3 billion in the next few years.

Who exactly is making that projection and what figures/evidence/research are they basing it on?

Edited February 5, 20197 yr by Bluespunk

Are these truly a wild fish or bred from goldfish as many exotic looking aquarium fish are? 

That long history involves the fish being held captive for the purpose of forced, mortal combat for the amusement of easily amused humans.  Lots and lots of gambling/betting, like cockerel fighting.  It was said to be such a big earner, the King of Siam put a tax on it.

 

• Trafficking in fish hostages
• Forced blood sport
• Gambling 

Excellent choice.  Good job, Junta!  ????

 

8 hours ago, Oziex1 said:

Are these truly a wild fish or bred from goldfish as many exotic looking aquarium fish are? 

A quick search shows they are in fact native to the Mekong delta and can be found in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. 

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval for the Siamese fighting fish to become Thailand’s national aquatic animal.

vital issue; wonder how much intense debate it took to come to this conclusion

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

It would also boost their farming for commercial purposes and thus generate a huge income.......Growing trade in Siamese fighting fish generates about Bt1 billion per year 

The truth is revealed; nothing to do with symbolism but everything to do with money and greed. 

Time to retire the Elephant

Fighting fish becoming a national symbol? I didn't know they hunted in packs. 

 

Rooster

Look at this pathetic specimen being sold at Walmart. It's a symbol of Thailand all right - greed and exploitation. 

Edited February 6, 20197 yr by seahorse
Spelling

If that don't work, picture of the boys from Burma fighting the conditions on boats catching fish?

A very perfect symbol for Thailand me thinks.

The fish is from the Genus of Anabantids. A genus of fish that have an auxiliary breathing organ called a " Labyrinth Organ ", which allows them to breath in de-oxygenated water, or polluted streams by breathing from the surface of the water.

Very fitting for Thailand,s polluted waterways.

A media report of this fish being made a National Symbol was made about a month ago, and stated that the creature was a MARINE species,  its not ! its a freshwater species.

Come on Thailand, if your going to nominate a catre as a National Symbol, at least know something about it!