BETTA FISH FOR COMPETITION: THE LOCAL WISDOM FOR PROPAGATING THE ORNAMENTAL FISH FOR CONSERVATION IN BAN BON KHUAN COMMUNITY, VILLAGE NO. 5, NA PHO SUB-DISTRICT, THUNG SONG DISTRICT, NAKHON SI THAMMARAT PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research article aimed to study the following: 1) The context and the problem conditions of propagating betta fish for competition, 2) The local wisdom of fish propagation, and 3) Guidelines for promoting the propagation of betta fish for competition with the local wisdom for conservation of ornamental fish in a case study of Ban Bon Kuan Community, Village No. 5, Na Pho Sub-district, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The research used qualitative research methods, utilizing a camera, observation records, a questionnaire, and an audio recorder. In in-depth interviews and group discussions, key informants consisted of a total of eight persons who were knowledgeable in the local wisdom for propagating betta fish for competition and a total of seven persons who promoted and supported the local wisdom for propagating betta fish for competition. The data was analyzed using content analysis and data summarization. The results of the research found the following details: 1) The context and the problem conditions of propagating betta fish for competition in a case study of Ban Bon Kuan Community, Village No. 5, Na Pho Sub-district, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province included problems with shortage of betta fish food and problems with nurturing the betta fish; 2) The local wisdom for propagating betta fish for competition in a case study of Ban Bon Kuan Community, Village No. 5, Na Pho Sub-district, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province indicated the following important steps: 2.1) Preparing the pond, 2.2) Selecting male and female breeders, 2.3) Mating process, 2.4) Releasing fish into the pond, 2.5) Caring for baby betta fish, 2.6) Nurturing the fish for competition, 2.7) Fermenting water with leaves to condition the betta fish, 2.8) Feeding the betta fish, 2.9) Training the fish for competition, and 2.10) Nurturing the betta fish after competition; 3) Guidelines for promoting betta fish for competition in a case study of Ban Bon Kuan Community, Village No. 5, Na Pho Sub-district, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, included guidelines for promoting betta fish cultivation, guidelines for promoting betta fish sales, and guidelines for promoting the betta fish propagation.