Female Dumbo Ear Bettas: A Beautiful Addition

Female dumbo ear Bettas, also known as elephant ear Bettas, are captivating freshwater fish characterised by their oversized, flowing pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears.

Whilst they're less flamboyant than their male counterparts, female dumbos possess a subtle elegance with their shorter fins and more muted colouration, typically displaying shades of blue, red, or multicoloured patterns. These hardy little fish typically grow to about 4-6 centimetres in length and can live for 3-5 years with proper care, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers who appreciate their gentle nature and unique appearance.

When it comes to housing your female dumbo ear Betta, a minimum tank size of 30 litres is recommended, though larger is always better as it provides more stable water conditions and swimming space.

These tropical fish thrive in water temperatures between 24-27°C, with a pH level of 6.5-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Your tank should include a gentle filter (strong currents can stress their delicate fins), a heater to maintain consistent warmth, and plenty of hiding spots created with live plants like Java fern or Anubias, smooth ornaments, and driftwood. Weekly water changes of 20 - 25% are essential to keep ammonia and nitrite levels at zero, ensuring your Betta remains healthy and vibrant.

Female dumbo ear Bettas are carnivorous by nature and require a protein-rich diet to flourish. Feed them high-quality Betta pellets as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia two to three times weekly for optimal nutrition and colour enhancement.

Unlike males, females are generally more peaceful and can sometimes be kept in small groups called sororities (with at least 5 individuals in a well-planted tank of 75 litres or more), though each fish has its own personality and monitoring for aggression is crucial. They are in most cases best kept in singles. They can also coexist with peaceful community fish like Corydoras catfish, small peaceful tetras, or snails, but avoid housing them with fin-nippers, Guppies, Gouramis or overly boisterous species that might stress your elegant dumbo.