What are the characteristics of veil tail betta fish?

In this article we will discuss veil tail betta fish.We will discuss everything about them from their habitat information,tank size,water parameters,feeding habitat,breeding,diets and other parameters too.

Overview

In this blog

  • Key specifications of veil tail betta fish
  • Veil tail betta fish habitat information
  • General characteristics of veil tail betta fish
  • Tank size of veil tail betta fish
  • Water parameters of veil tail betta fish
  • Tank mates of veil tail betta fish
  • Tank plants for veil tail betta fish
  • Substrate for veil tail betta fish
  • Feeding habits of veil tail betta fish
  • Behavior of veil tail betta fish
  • Breeding of veil tail betta fish
  • Summary 
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Reference

What are the characteristics of veil tail betta fish?

Key specifications of veil tail betta fish

Scientific nameCommon nameBetta splendensveil tail betta fish
Other namesSiamese fighting fish/japanese fighting fish 
Habitat Freshwater of Southeast Asia
Diet Carnivore/Omnivore in captivity
Temperament Aggressive like their cousins
Life span3-5 years (average)
Conservation statusVulnerable (wild)Captivity (data deficient)

Veil tail betta fish habitat information

Like all other betta species, the veiled betta is native to the rivers and swamps of Southeast Asia,and it is not used to extreme water temperatures.It likes mild warm water.

General characteristics of veil tail betta fish

  • Veiltail betta is also known as the Siamese fish and is best known for its nice fins and colors.
  • Like other bettas they can also breathe using the organs of the labyrinth,which allows fish to breathe from the surface of the water.
  • The Veiled betta is not a very large fish.Adult males will not exceed 2½ -3 inches, while females may be smaller.
  • The three unpaired fins in the veiltail betta fish are stretched and their asymmetric caudal fin naturally hangs downwards.
  • The male veiltails are more colorful than the female, and the fins of a male are usually a bit longer than those of a female veiltails.
  • Veiltails are not very good swimmers and only thrive in light aquarium currents.They are not as aggressive as short fins types.
  • The veiltail variety is known for its extra-long,flowing double tail and high sail-like dorsal fin.
  • If veil tail bettas like their other cousins are cared for properly and given a large enough aquarium to live in,with pristine water conditions, they usually live for an average of three years.

Tank size of veil tail betta fish

The smallest tank size that a veiltail betta fish should live in is three gallons.For the happiest and healthiest veiltail betta fish,look at an aquarium about 5 gallons in size.The bigger it is, the better it will be for the natural growth of veil tail bettas.

Betta experts suggest keeping one betta fish in a five gallon aquarium. If you continue beyond this,the aquarium will become crowded, stressing the fish and even shortening the life of the fish.

Veil tail betta’s perfect aquarium is spacious,has quality filters and heaters, and lots of toys like exercise mirrors to practice their flaring and for keeping their boredom away.

Provide lots of spots to hide when they feel anxious and restless ,they can hide on those spots and feel better.Give them a proper swimming area to swim by not stuffing their aquarium with aquatic plants all over the tanks.

Veil tail bettas like their cousins have the tendency to leap out of their aquarium, when they feel stressed due to non-compatible tank mates or due to poor water quality or ammonia pollution.

So, it is important to keep a tank lid or hood to cover their tanks, for avoiding such jumping tendencies.

Water parameters of veil tail betta fish

Veiltail betta prefer to have soft water,with a degree of General hardness,between 5-20.Moderate pH levels are essential for aquarium water.

The veiltail betta cannot withstand extremely acidic or alkaline water. A pH level of between 6.8 and 7.5 will keep him healthy and happy.

Water changes in veiltail betta tank:

  • Water changes are very important to keep veil tail betta healthy and happy.
  • The best way to change the water in a veil tail bettas tank is to change a small amount of water every week instead of changing all the water at once.
  • Put fresh water in a clean container, mix with a water conditioner, and leave at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  • For one gallon bowl, change 100% water change once a week. 
  • For small aquariums of 2-3 gallons,50% water changes once a week should be done.
  • For aquariums of 5-10 gallons, 25% water changes should be done once a week.

Tank mates of veil tail betta fish

Bettas are very aggressive and do not like the company of other species, as well as their own kind in their vicinity.

But if you manage to find compatible companions for them, they will eventually get used to their tank companions.Veiltails will swim around other fish without chasing them.

Tank plants for veil tail betta fish

Keeping live plants in a veil tail bettas aquarium can seem daunting to a new betta keeper, but it’s not really difficult.There are really strong living aquarium plants on the market, your betta will love them.

Betta loves aquarium plants, especially living plantsIt is a great idea to get some plants and both artificial and real options are fine.

Make sure you have enough space for the fish to swim and that you can easily reach the surface and breathe air at once.

Another item that helps mimic the bettas natural habitat is Indian almond leaves, because they are rich in flavonoids and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

These compounds also help lower the pH of the water and absorb some of the minerals and act as natural magical water conditioner.

Substrate for veil tail betta fish

Gravel substrate is perfect for all bettas, including veil tail bettas too because it doesn’t have pointed edges that can harm their long flowing fins,although they tend to stick to the upper levels of their aquarium.

Live plants and floating cover are important items to add to their aquarium because they give bettas cover and make them feel safe and secure.

Feeding habits of veil tail betta fish

A balanced veiled betta diet includes:

  • Include lots of proteins and vitamins in their diets.
  • Variety of meat-based foods, including betta flakes, betta pellets, freeze-dried red worms, daphnia and frozen foods to ensure complete nutrition. 
  • Bloodworms and brine shrimp are the most popular foods and should be fed in moderation to prevent obesity.
  • Juveniles should be fed thrice a day but adults should be fed just twice.
  • Overfeeding should be avoided at all costs to avoid digestive issues and ammonia pollution.
  • Leftovers or uneaten food should be removed everyday religiously with a gravel siphon without disturbing the beneficial bacterias.
  • Live daphnia,krill,prepared betta pellets ,live vinegar eels,frozen bloodworms/frozen or dried brine shrimp

Behavior of veil tail betta fish

Male veiltail bettas are not as aggressive as many other betta varieties, but are known to be mildly aggressive. It is his nature to turn on other fish of the same species.

This is the reason why bettas are often referred to as the Siamese fighting fish.The betta is an active, happy little fish and has no problem displaying it.These gorgeous fish can be quite individual so don’t expect anything less if you have them.

If your veil tail betta fish seems to be hiding a lot or hovering in its aquarium, that’s a sure sign that something is wrong.Dull color or jammed fins are also strong indicators of depression.

You may also notice very aggressive or erratic swimming patterns in some bettas, such as continuing to sink to the bottom of the aquarium.

Breeding of veil tail betta fish

The veiled betta has a dominant gene that makes it easy to breed. This is the most popular of the betta breeds and the most common in aquarium pet shops.

Once he reaches about six months of age,the veiltail betta is ready to breed.

The benefits and ease of breeding of the long tail gene,VT, are the main reasons why many people choose to breed in veiltail bettas.

Due to its predominance, the offspring have a veiled tail, so this type cannot actually cross a betta with another tail.

Install a substrate-free breeding tank with a 5 inch water column. Make sure the tank is fully circulated and at the correct temperature. Select a healthy breeding pair.

Use dividers to separate the veil tail betta females until both fish are ready to breed.Wait for the veil tail male to build a bubble nest.

Summary

  • Betta fish come in a variety of colors, from the most vibrant to plain white and black.
  • Although these fish are very clearly colored in the wild, captive fish can be found in almost all bright colors,shades and different tail types.
  • Veiltail is a common and out-of-the-box betta variety,but it can still be a beautiful addition to your aquarium.
  • They are known to be more submissive, sociable and friendly than most other betta varieties and are ideal for community tanks of other fish species.
  • Veiltail bettas like their other cousins are not that difficult to care for.
  • Proper tank maintenance,healthy balanced diet,compatible tank mates,water changes,water monitoring & other tank parameters should be maintained properly to keep them happy and healthy.
  • Make sure you are not keeping male veil tail bettas together,as this could turn into a battle.
  • Maintain the male to female ratio to avoid clashes in tanks.

Frequently asked questions

Can veiltail bettas live together in the same aquarium? 

Never keep two male veiltail bettas in one aquarium, and only mix females and males during mating or spawning.Putting several female veiltail bettas together might work, but you have to remember that even the female veiltail bettas can get aggressive with each other and end up fighting.

What kind of decorations can go in a veil tail bettas tank?

When buying ornaments, make sure they are soft and have no pointed edges.Otherwise, the delicate fins of the veiltail can be damaged.

Reference