Facts About Crowntail Male Betta Fish

Crowntail betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a popular choice for fish owners. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and are very hardy in terms of adapting to the aquarium. The crowntail betta derives its name from the unique fin design for which it has been bred. These fish create a dramatic impression with their vibrant colors and extreme fin extensions.

  1. History

    • The betta fish originated in the warm waters of Thailand, where the fish live in the slow-water rice paddies. Domestic bettas deviate greatly from their wild counterparts, as they have been selectively bred to enhance colors and fin characteristics. An Indonesian breeder, Achmad Yusef, created the crowntail betta in 1997.

    Features

    • The crowntail betta derives its name from its unique tail fin. The rays of the tail extend well beyond the tail edge, giving the fish the appearance of wearing a crown. These fish have been selectively bred for fins with reduced webbing. An ideal crowntail will have a 50 percent reduction in webbing. Only the male crowntail displays the large fins to create the crown; females typically have much smaller fins.

    Color Variations

    • Male crowntail bettas come in a wide array of colors and patterns. The basic colors are red, black (there are four recognized varieties of black), blue, yellow, cerulean, pastel, white, multicolor, metallic and albino.

    Care

    • Crowntail male bettas are tropical fish that require water temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. While crowntail bettas can survive in small tanks, they do best in a tank with a minimum of 1 gallon of water. Keeping a cover on the tank is recommend as bettas have a tendency to jump out. Bettas prefer live plants to decorate their environment. Crowntail male bettas are carnivorous, and are fed bloodworms to satisfy this requirement.

    Considerations

    • Male crowntail bettas should be kept in individual tanks, as they are extremely territorial fish. They are called Siamese fighting fish due to their combative nature. Males can share a tank with females if the tank is large enough for the female to escape and hide from the male.