🐟 Halfmoon Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
🐟 Halfmoon Betta Fish (Betta splendens)
Solitary Display Fish • Full 180° D-Shaped Tail Spread • Pristine Water Keeps the Fins Glorious
📋 The Halfmoon Betta is one of the most iconic betta varieties, defined by a caudal fin that spreads a full 180° into a straight-edged "D" shape when flared. It's one of the most popular tail types in the hobby today, developed through decades of selective breeding from the wild Siamese fighting fish native to the Mekong basin of Thailand.
That dramatic spread comes with weight: the oversized tail drags in current and takes real effort to lift to the surface for air. Halfmoons can sometimes nibble their own fins out of boredom, stress, or the weight of such heavy finnage, which is different from ordinary fin rot caused by poor water quality. The secret to glorious fins is immaculate water and a calm, enriched, low-stress home, which help prevent both.
As with all bettas, keep it solitary, since males are territorial and must never be housed with another male. Female Halfmoons can sometimes be kept in "sorority" groups, but this requires keeper experience and close monitoring.
💡 Highlights
🌙 Full 180° Spread: A dramatic, symmetrical, show-quality tail
💧 Loves Pristine Water: Immaculate water and low stress keep the fins healthy
🌊 Prefers Gentle Flow: The heavy tail likes calm water
👑 A Solitary Display Betta: Peaceful yet territorial, best kept singly
🎨 Brilliant Colour Variants: Available in vibrant patterns
🧾 A Quick Look at the Halfmoon Betta Fish
📛 Common Name: Halfmoon Betta Fish
🔬 Scientific Name: Betta splendens — Halfmoon fin type
👨👩👧 Family: Osphronemidae
🌍 Origin: Thailand (developed strain); the species is native to the Mekong basin (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos)
📏 Max Size: About 6-7.5cm
🧂 Water Type: Freshwater
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24-28°C (75-82°F); steady warmth, with a heater only if your water would otherwise drop below about 24°C
🧪 pH Range: 6.5-7.5
🧠 Care Level: Easy to moderate; pristine water and low-stress surroundings keep the fins healthy
💖 Temperament: Territorial and aggressive toward other males
🏠 Min Tank Size: 19 L (5 gallons) minimum; larger is better
📌 Tank Level: Top to mid-water; has a labyrinth organ for gulping surface air
🧬 Stock Type: Captive-bred fin type
⏳ Lifespan: 3-5 years; fin damage from rot or self-biting is a common cause of early decline
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore
🐣 Reproduction: Bubble nester
