How to Care for a Crowntail

Crowntails, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a type of betta fish. Bettas can be found in a variety of vibrant colors, and the Crowntail is no exception. However, the Crowntail is set apart from other bettas by its full, rounded tail, which often has small spikes at the edge. Crowntail bettas look flashier than other betta types but require the same care as all the other bettas. Betta fish are relatively easy to care for, compared to other fish types, but some steps still need to be followed to ensure that they remain healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Dechlorinating additive
  • pH test kit
  • pH additives
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide an aquarium that can hold between 1 gallon and 5 gallons of water. The habitat should have a large surface area because the Crowntail can get the air it needs from the water's surface, which means that it does not need an aeration system.

    • 2

      Keep male Crowntails in a habitat by themselves. They will kill other bettas, male or female, that invade that habitat unless they are ready to mate. Female bettas can sometimes be kept together, but they can still be very aggressive, so it is usually best to house them separately as well.

    • 3

      Install a filtration system in the aquarium if it holds more than 3 gallons. Smaller aquariums should be cleaned using full or partial water changes, as opposed to a filtration system. Choose a filtration system that is small and has a low-water flow, such as miniature power filter with an adjustable water-flow feature. Smaller filtration systems create a lower water flow, which creates a weaker current. Crowntails are not comfortable in habitats with a strong water flow.

    • 4

      Clean the tank when you notice that it's getting dirty if you have a filtration system. If you do not have a filtration system, clean the tank completely once a week by exchanging all the dirty water for fresh water. Let a jug of fresh water warm up to room temperature. Then, scoop the Crowntail out of the habitat with a damp fish net. Leave the fish in this net while you rinse out the habitat and fill it with the fresh water from the jug. Add a dechlorinating additive to the water whenever you change it. Make sure the water temperature is fine and then gently drop the fish back into its habitat.

    • 5

      Test the water after you change it to make sure the pH levels are correct. Bettas need a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Use a pH additive to adjust pH levels. Only use the smallest amount of these additives.

    • 6

      Feed the Crowntail once a day. Give only as much food as can be eaten in a five-minute period, and clean away any uneaten food in order to keep the habitat clean. You can feed it prepared betta foods, such as pellets, as well as freeze dried bloodworms and brine shrimp.

    • 7

      Add a small layer of aquarium gravel. This addition is not strictly necessary, but it gives the Crowntail betta a more natural habitat.

    • 8

      Add aquarium plants, either real or fake. Bettas are carnivorous and will not do much damage to live aquarium plants. The plants will provide a realistic environment, and hiding places, for your betta.

    • 9

      Install an underwater thermometer to monitor the water temperature. All bettas, including Crowntails, should have a water temperature between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.