Male Double Tail Betta - Betta splendens
Scientific Name: Betta splendens
Common Name: Double Tail Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Southeast Asia (specifically the Mekong basin); the distinctive split caudal fin and broader dorsal fin are the results of a specific genetic mutation cultivated through meticulous selective breeding in the aquarium trade Size: Up to 2.5 to 3 inches (6.5-7.5 cm)
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet: Carnivorous; they require a protein-rich diet consisting of high-quality betta pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia
Temperament: Highly territorial and aggressive; due to their extensive finnage and typically shorter, more compact bodies, they are slower swimmers than other varieties and can be more susceptible to exhaustion or swim bladder issues
Water Parameters: Temperature: 78-82°F (25-28°C) pH: 6.5-7.5 Hardness: 5-20 dGH
Tank Size: Minimum 30 Litres (a gentle filter is essential to prevent their heavy fins from causing fatigue in strong currents)
Compatibility: Best kept as a solitary centerpiece fish; in larger setups, they can coexist with peaceful, short-finned bottom dwellers like corydoras or snails, but one must strictly avoid other labyrinth fish, fin-nippers, or brightly colored tank mates that might trigger their aggressive instincts