In this blog we will discuss moon betta fish. We will discuss everything about them in this blog.
Overview
In this blog
- Moon betta fish
- Key specifications of moon betta fish
- General characteristics of moon betta fish
- Tank size of moon betta fish
- Water parameters of moon betta fish
- Tank mates of moon betta fish
- Tank plants for moon betta fish
- Substrate for moon betta fish
- Feeding habits of moon betta fish
- Behavior of moon betta fish
- Breeding of moon betta fish
- Summary
- Frequently asked questions
- Reference
What are the characteristics of moon betta fish?
Moon bettas are one of the most beautiful freshwater fish that can be placed in an aquarium. This type of betta is distinguished by a variety of bright colors and a moon shaped tail.
Betta splendens are native to Thailand,Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where they inhabit ditches, rice fields,shallow waters,and slow-moving streams.Moon bettas have been produced by means of selective breeding for their beautiful features and fighting ability.
They should be taken care of like other betta fish.The best conditions for moon bettas are healthy fins, no injuries, and an active lifestyle.
Key specifications of moon betta fish
| Scientific nameName | Betta splendens Moon betta fish |
| Other names | Chinese/ Siamese fighting fish |
| Habitat | Freshwater of Southeast Asia |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Temperament | Aggressive like their cousins |
| Life span | 2-4 years, with proper care |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable (wild)Captivity (data deficient) |
General characteristics of moon betta fish
- The moon betta with a long tail generally reaches just over 3 inches, including the length of the tail.
- The moon fighting fish has large, rounded fins that radiate from the body. They are valued for their graceful, elegant movements while swimming.
- Male moon bettas are bigger and more vibrant than female moon bettas.
- Male moon bettas are more aggressive and territorial than female moon bettas.
- Like other betta fish, they also have labyrinth organs.This organ is ideal for living in small amounts of water and tanks without an air stone or bubbler.
Tank size of moon betta fish
- The aquarium for moon bettas should be at least five gallons.
- Moon betta fish can also jump.
- If the water level is high enough, a betta can definitely clear the edges of an open aquarium.It is very important to have a screen top to avoid this.
- Avoid keeping moon bettas in cramped and overcrowded tanks.
- Overcrowded and cramped tanks can cause several infections in moon bettas.
- Your moon betta’s aquarium should hold at least 5 gallons of water. Moon bettas can survive in smaller aquariums, but just because it can doesn’t mean it’s comfortable.
Water parameters of moon betta fish
To keep your moon betta fish satisfied and comfortable, the water parameters in the aquarium should all be kept at moderate levels.
The water in the moon betta aquarium should be neither too hot nor too cold. Temperatures should be maintained between 72° and 81° Fahrenheit, with an average temperature of about 75° ideal.
Moon bettas prefer soft water, but withstand a wide range of GH from 5 to 20 DH or 70 to 300 ppm.Very hard water can be harmful to them.
Ammonia and nitrite should always be kept below 0.5 ppm, but should be as close to zero as possible and nitrate should be less than 20 ppm.
Moon betta fish do need a filter in their tanks to keep the water clean and free of contaminants so they can stay healthy.
The biggest problem when using a filter in a moon betta tank is monitoring the water flow. Bettas do not like fast-moving water and will have difficulty swimming. If the filter is too strong, it can even pull the betta up the intake pipe and the fish may drown.
Tank mates of moon betta fish
Some betta fish are so territorial that they can never coexist with other aquarium inhabitants. On the other hand, some are so calm that they can be caught or stressed by other fish.
There are many betta aquarium companions or mates who can live with a male or female moon betta under the right conditions.
Mystery snails are safe for plants and get along well with bettas due to their docile nature. Sometimes a betta will show curiosity or even bite a mysterious snail, but they have a hard shell they can hide into if needed.
Ghost shrimp will be a great companion to betta fish. Ghost Shrimp is an easy-to-care-for, inexpensive scavenger that cleans tanks looking for extra food to eat from the substrate.
Corydoras are a nice addition to a community betta aquarium. Corydoras are low maintenance fish and thrive well in bettas tanks without any issues.
African dwarf frogs are also an excellent betta tank companion because of their gentle personality.They mind their own business and are also low maintenance species.
After adding tank mates to bettas aquarium, monitor the bettas and other mates for signs of stress for a few days.This may include lack of appetite, visible wounds, relentless chases, and extended periods of fights.
Tank plants for moon betta fish
Keeping live plants in an aquarium may sound intimidating to a beginner aquarist, but it’s actually not difficult.There are really strong living aquarium plants on the market, your betta will love them. Betta loves aquarium plants, especially living plants.
To give the bettas aquarium a natural look, try using only two or three different types of plants. It is often easier to plant these plants when the tank is already partially filled with water.
Live plants are ideal for betta aquariums as they provide hiding places, add a natural look to the aquarium and keep your betta entertained.
Live plants produce more oxygen and help remove toxic ammonia, and they also contain beneficial bacteria, reducing algal problems and creating a more natural environment for bettas to thrive.
Substrate for moon betta fish
The substrate will also make your tank more natural to your betta. Think about what your betta’s natural environment looks like. Instead of a glass bottom layer, it’s gravel, soil, rock or sand with lots of plants in it.
When it comes to choosing the best substrate for your betta tank, gravel comes first.
Gravel is easy to clean and maintain, provides habitat for beneficial bacteria, provides a safe rooting medium for live plants, and is available in a variety of different colors to complement or contrast the color of the betta.
Feeding habits of moon betta fish
Moon betta is a carnivorous species, so it will enjoy every little bit of meat. Mosquito larvae and live artemia are both very suitable foods for these small fish.
While feeding live meat is the top choice for this species, they will also eat freeze-dried bloodworms and other meaty fish foods.
It is recommended to feed moon bettas two to four special betta pellets once or twice a day.
The pellets expand when they hit the water and are very satisfying for a fighting fish.
Freeze-dried or fresh foods can be replaced by feeding pellets 1-2 days per week.
Behavior of moon betta fish
Throughout history,betta fish were constantly bred due to their territorial aggression.This fighting instinct did not disappear, even for those who were raised in captivity.
The moon betta is also aggressive, as it is descended from fish that were originally bred for fighting ability.
Breeding of moon betta fish
- Moon bettas breeding tank should be at least 10 Gallons or 38 Liters.
- You will need a separate tank than the one used to maintain the breeding pair.It’ll be used to house the betta fry during the first couple of weeks after hatching.
- Select healthy pairs and keep them together only for breeding purpose.Separate as soon as the breeding process is done.
- If the male betta is of breeding age, the female betta can be placed in the aquarium. This may encourage him to start building bubble nests.
- Male bettas will attract female bettas by building bubble nests.
- These nests float at the top of the tank and look like small foam masses. Once made,male betta fish often stay under the nest while waiting for females to mate.
- As soon as the pair mates, the female betta releases eggs. The male collects them in his mouth and takes them to the bubble nests.
- The baby bettas will hatch in about three days.
- Most betta fish lay 40 to 50 eggs per spawn. However, this number varies greatly from fish to fish.
Summary
- Moon bettas are beautiful and elegant like other betta fish.
- It’s very important to give them proper care, healthy food and a stress free environment for their lonigitivity.
- Avoid keeping male moon bettas together.
- Don’t keep moon bettas in small and overcrowded tanks.
- Provide hiding spots in their tanks.
- Replicate their natural habitat for them to thrive happily.
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep two moon bettas together?
Unless both are male, you can keep the two moon bettas together. Keeping two males together will certainly end in a deadly battle.
Can you keep two female moon bettas together?
Yes, you can keep two female moon bettas together.
Do moon betta fish need filters in their tanks?
Yes, moon betta fish need filters in their tank.
Do female moon betta fish also make bubble nests?
Making bubble nests is a natural breeding behavior for the betta fish, but nests are mostly created by males.
