Something’s fishy at Iconsiam
Responding to the Cabinet’s approval on February 5 for the Siamese fighting fish to become Thailand’s national aquatic animal, Iconsiam is holding an event related to the fish whose official name is Betta splendens until April 23.
Featured in the event are Siamese fighting fish species that are the origin of all fighting fish, together with fighting fish found in different regions of Thailand, and more than 500 beautiful fighting fish genetically developed by Thai farmers such as the Golden Betta, Thai Flag Betta, Black Light Betta, Galaxy Star Betta, Dragon Betta and Devil Betta.
Talks on “Breeding Siamese Fighting Fish”, “Commercial Value of Siamese Fighting Fish” and “Siamese Fighting Fish: National Treasure that Takes Part in Thai Way of Life” will also be held along with an aquarium aquascape and fish photo workshops.
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.
Another highlight is an ice sculpture of Siamese fighting fish carved by the Thai ice-carving team who won the first prize at the 46th International Snow Sculpture contest in Sapporo, Japan. It was the eighth top award for Thailand since the first victory in 2000. It is the 22nd year of Thai participation since 1991 in one of Japan’s most popular winter events, visited by over two million tourists.
The event also presents fighting fish-inspired products namely iPhone 6S that introduces fighting fish to the world on the screen, Srichand x Asava cosmetics inspired by colourful fighting fish, Betta Paradiso photo book by Visarute Angkatavanich, bamboo fighting fish by Korakot Aromdee, a costume of Miss International Queen 2019 contestant designed by Athit Thirakittwat, and papercrafts by Pitoon Paper Artist.
For details, call (02) 495 7080 or visit www.Iconsiam.com.
