What Do Betta Eat in the Wild? Betta fish (scientific name: Betta splendens), or Siamese fighting fish, are native to tropical areas around Thailand and Malaysia. The betta commonly found in pet stores are selectively bred fish that differs from their wild counterparts. Captive bettas were bred for coloration and the aquarium environment; therefore, they are used to prepared fish foods. However, you can simulate their natural diet with certain frozen and live foods.