I was born in 1970 and grew up in a middle class family in Saigon, Vietnam. I have one older brother and a younger sister who show no interest in Betta. Unlike my brother and sister, I have a special interest in "ca lia thia" (fighting fish or Betta). It seems that I can understand the betta 'language' and 'feelings'. By just looking at the fish's movements, I can 'feel' if it is hungry, happy, sad, sick, healthy, or etc.

At the age of five, I was introduced to wild Betta caught by my relative from the rice field. I was amazed by its brilliant colors and stylish dance. Since then, I have always been in love with this small and beautiful fish.