BESTSELLER OF NOVEMBER 2007

Quick Facts

Scientific Name : Betta Splendens

Size : 6cm

Diet : Carnivore

Water Conditions : 21 - 29 ºC; pH 6 - 7.5; 

dH 5 - 20

Care Level : Easy

Reproduction : Bubble-Nest Builders, Mouth Brooders

Betta Splendens

The Crowntail Betta is one of the most popular fishes in the world that originates from Thailand. It is a favourite among lots of people because of its beautiful appearance, especially its long fins, and also because it is an easy fish to be taken care of. The Crowntail Betta has also been given this name as two male fishes would end up fighting each other till there is only one left. They will open their gill covers and erect their fins to show their fighting posture. They can be peaceful if given the right tank mates. This does not include their own species as they will become aggressive with other Bettas.

The gender of the Crowntail Betta can be differentiated in two ways. Firstly, the males have much more color than the females. The males, in general, have deeper and more beautiful colors as compared to the females. Secondly, majority of the males have bigger fins than the females.

Being bubble-nest builders, the male and female that is chosen for the breeding process should reach a few requirements. Firstly, they should be of about the same size. Secondly, they should be well-fed. Lastly, they should first be separated by a tank separator within the same tank. Until both fishes shows interest, the male will start building a nest and something like a plastic lid should be used to trap bubbles released by the male and the nest is slowly created. The female can now be placed together with the male and then she will release the eggs. Then, the female has to be removed from the tank or the male can kill her. The male will then pick up the eggs and 'blow' them into the nest and thereafter guard the eggs till they hatch. For the eggs to hatch, a tight-fitted lid should be used to cover the tank to prevent cooler air in. The fry's labyrinths will then start developing. Feeding can start 2 days after hatching with bubble-nest building betta fry using micro food. After 1-2 weeks and every 4 hours the fry must be fed with live baby brine shrimp or micro worms a bit at a time. You will then notice the fry falling out of the nest dropping to the bottom, the male will thereafter retrieve them and blow them back to the nest. When the fry becomes free swimming horizontal, it's best to remove them from the tank if not, the male would take them as snacks. The fry will then fall to the bottom until they become free swimming.

They are best kept in large tanks and are advised to be kept separately because of their temperament.