How to Tell a Male Betta From a Female Betta

Telling male and female Bettas apart is important because of the fact that male Bettas are extremely territorial fish. As important as differentiating between a female Betta fish and a male Betta fish is, it is also very easy because there are very obvious differences between the two, much like the differences between male and female people.

Things You'll Need

  • Male Betta fish
  • Female Betta fish
  • Local pet shop
  • Fish tank
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the size of the Betta fish's body. Male Betta fish have larger bodies than female Betta fish.

    • 2

      Look at the size of the Betta fish's fins. Male Betta fish have longer fins than female Betta fish.

    • 3

      Look at the color of the Betta fish's fins. Male Betta fish have colorful fins, whereas female Betta fish usually have the same color fins as the rest of their body.

    • 4

      Look to see if there are other Betta fish of this type at your local pet shop. Male Betta fish, because of the length and color of their fins, are very popular and can be found almost anywhere. Female Betta fish, on the other hand, do not have long and colorful fins and are therefore very rare in pet shops.

    • 5

      Test the Betta fish's aggression. Male Betta fish are extremely aggressive, put them in a tank with another fish, especially another Betta fish, and he will quickly begin a fight. Female Bettas are not aggressive and can be kept with other fish.