Brightly-hued in colour, an aggressive persona, and often twirling their long gorgeous fins while fighting. Commonly known as, this creature is the perfect example of beauty and grace. This underwater brawler is also called a Siamese fighting fish, and Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is said to be their native swimming ground. As we know, the Siamese fighting fish has officially been declared as Thailand’s national aquatic animal. Celebrating the pride of the nation, ICONSIAM will be hosting “The Iconic Siamese Fighting Fish” from April 19 – 23, 2019, at M Floor of ICONSIAM, Charoen Nakorn Road.
Expand your knowledge about Thailand’s national emblem by learning the history of the Siamese fighting fish, its natural habitat, different breeds of fighting fish and its commercial value. Without a doubt, the main spotlight of the show will be captured by the gorgeous species – including more than 500 rare fighting fish, genetically developed from Betta splendens, coming from all parts of Thailand.
ICONSIAM invites all interested enthusiasts including farmers who breed fighting fish, entrepreneurs, and the general public to share knowledge and valuable stories that hold our nation with pride. The stories of Siamese fighting fish have been in records for hundreds of years existing in Thai history and literature. In fact, records date back to the reign of King Rama I until 1910 during the reign of King Rama V, when the fish was given a scientific name, Betta splendens. This truly explains the historical significance of Siamese fighting fish for our nation.
Highlights of the Siamese Fighting Fish exhibition
“The Iconic Siamese Fighting Fish” will feature an ice sculpture of Siamese fighting fish specially carved by the Thai ice-carving team (winner of the 46th International Snow Sculpture in Sapporo, Japan). The showcase will also include Siamese Betta species, the origin of all fighting fish, and over 500 rare Siamese fighting fish species, namely Golden Betta, Thai Flag Betta, Black Light Betta, Galaxy Star Betta, Dragon Betta and Devil Betta genetically developed by some of Thailand’s local fish farmers. Moreover, visitors will be surprised to view various species of fighting fish from different regions of Thailand including Plakad Pak Klang, Plakad E-sarn, Plakad Pak Tai, Plakad Mahachai (found only in Thailand), and Plakad Tawan-ork.
While it’s intriguing to learn the history of Siamese fighting fish, viewing the imitation of their motion and patterns on existing products is even more thought-provoking. This includes Apple’s iPhone 6S official wallpaper inspired by the betta, collection of Srichand x ASAVA cosmetics, the Betta Paradiso photo book by Visarute Angkatavanich, Korakot Aromdee’s masterpiece with bamboo fighting fish, Miss International Queen 2019 contestant’s costume designed by Athit Thirakittwator, and paper craft by Pitoon Paper Artist.
Join the special talks about “Breeding Siamese Fighting Fish”, “Commercial Value of Siamese Fighting Fish” and “Siamese Fighting Fish: National Treasure that Takes Part in Thai Way of Life”. Master a new skill by attending the aquarium aquascaping workshop and Betta fish photography workshop.
This event is brought together by ICONSIAM and the Department of Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), Thailand Post, Club of Local Fighting Fish Preservation and Glodenbetta Farm.
The activities are open to the public for free from April 19 to 23, 2019, at Charoen Nakorn Hall, M floor of ICONSIAM on Charoen Nakorn Road. For further information, please call 02-495-7080or visit www.iconsiam.com.
