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Siamese fighting fish
A domestic halfmoon male with a fan tail; plan around a single male’s territory.
The illustration shows a domestic royal-blue halfmoon male with a broad fan-shaped tail. Short-finned fish and other colours or tail forms are varieties, not additional species. This male does not represent female appearance.
- Adult length
- Up to 6.5 cm
- Water temperature
- 24–26 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness
- 4–12 dGH
A male kept alone is easier to manage. Never house two males together or expose one continuously to a mirror or another male. Long fins are vulnerable to nipping, sharp décor and strong currents; small shrimp may be eaten.
Social behaviour and territory
Start with one male alone. Females can also fight, and a male-female pair is not a routine permanent arrangement. Community housing needs more room, observation and a way to separate fish promptly.
Space requirements
For a single male, plan a mature filtered aquarium of 20 L or more, with swimming room, planted cover and resting places near the surface. This source recommendation does not approve every tank shape, layout or stocking combination.
Aquarium environment
Surface breathing does not replace clean, oxygenated water. Fit a lid to prevent jumping and leave an air gap below it, with an unobstructed route to the surface.
Diet and feeding
Use suitably sized complete betta pellets, with occasional frozen brine shrimp or daphnia for variety. Watch food intake, remove leftovers and avoid large meals.
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