Betta fish are elegant and fascinating aquatic pets. Often known as Siamese fighting fish, a betta is a colorful freshwater fish that may survive for two to four years if adequately cared for.
Despite their small size, bettas need special attention. The tropical fish requires a certain amount of room and a specific water temperature to stay healthy. If you’re considering buying a betta fish, do your homework beforehand.
Before people bring a Halfmoon betta home, they usually have plenty of questions like:
- How do I take care of Halfmoon bettas?
- Are these fish highly aggressive?
- What do they eat?
There is so much to know before purchasing a Halfmoon betta fish. Read on to know all about this small size aquarium fish and how to care for it.
| Halfmoon betta overview | |
| Size | Up to 3 inches |
| Colors | Copper, brown, teal, black, red, green, and white |
| Tail shape | D-shaped tail |
Origin of the halfmoon betta
Betta fish have been around for many years. People used to catch them and make them fight. Fortunately now, bettas are taken care of and loved by their owners.
Wild betta fish will only battle for a few minutes before retreating. Domestic betta fish tend to be more aggressive, which means they may fight for more extended periods and are more likely to die while sparing. The willingness of the fish to continue battling determines the winner. Because fighting can be so dangerous for betta fish, it is important to know how to properly care for yours.
The popularity of betta battles seems to have piqued King Rama III of Siam’s (1788-1851) interest, and he started collecting fighting fish himself. Later, King Rama III gave numerous betta fish to Theodore Cantor, a Danish biologist.
Bettas first appeared in aquaria in France, Italy, and other European countries around the nineteenth century, and they quickly became a popular decorative fish species. They initially arrived in the United States and Australia in the early twentieth century.
Bettas are popular for domestic pets nowadays because of their attractiveness in home aquaria.
Discovering halfmoon betta
Bettas (also known by their scientific name, Betta Splendens) are a kind of aquatic species belonging to Southeast Asia (e.g., Thai, Cambodia, Vietnam). But they are currently one of the most popular and readily accessible aquarium species globally.
According to their genetics, humans domesticated bettas at least ten centuries ago, making them one of the oldest domesticated fish.
The Halfmoon betta’s vibrant color, diverse form, low cost, and ease of upkeep make them an appealing option for home aquariums. Despite their reputation for ferocity, they may make wonderful pets with the proper care and attention.
Halfmoon bettas are regularly among the most attractive betta fish regardless of their color. Let’s talk about the unique features of this splendid fish.
Color
Halfmoon bettas are among the most beautiful fish. You can find them in many colors including copper, brown, teal, black, red, white, and green. The white Halfmoon betta is the most appealing among the various hues since it looks ethereal.
Tail design
There are two types of halfmoon bettas: halfmoon bettas and halfmoon plakat bettas. The tail of a halfmoon betta looks like a capital D when spread. The halfmoon plakats tail is smaller. There are several different kinds of tail types for betta fish including rose tails, comb tails, crown tails, and feather tails. However, these are different from the D-shaped fin of a halfmoon betta.
You might be asking yourself, “how can I tell whether it’s a halfmoon betta just by looking at its tail?” The answer: it’s better to observe their tails as they’re flaring.
You can cautiously evaluate the extent of expansion when they completely stretch their tail. When angry, halfmoon betta fish typically extend their tail 180 degrees. It’s usually long and slender, with a rounded form.
The tail may sometimes extend beyond 180 degrees. Here, it’s known as a halfmoon. In certain circumstances, the tail extension does not reach 180 degrees. Then, it’s known as a delta. Delta is a species of betta fish that is often confused with Halfmoon betta.
Halfmoon bettas seldom show their complete fins unless they are flaring because flared fins feel unpleasant and weigh the fish down.
When buying a Halfmoon betta, the critical determinant of pricing is the fish’s color, as well as whether or not it is in good health.
Size
Halfmoon bettas come in various sizes, but most are 2 inches long in the body and 3 inches long plus their tail. Plakats have a reduced tail length, which causes them to be small fish.
How to make the aquarium habitable for a betta
It’s a common misconception that betta fish can thrive in any tiny aquarium. This theory exists because bettas utilize the labyrinth organ to breathe at the water’s surface, which is incorrect.
But in a vast area, they have a higher chance of surviving. They can also coexist with other tank mates, but you don’t want them to harm each other. When they’re in the same space, male species, in particular, tend to fight.
Here’s how to get started when you first take your betta fish home:
- Before buying a betta, make sure you do your homework. Calculate the size of the tank you need and where you’ll put the fish. If you don’t have adequate space, it’s probably not the best time to buy a betta fish.
- When selecting a fish, make sure it’s active and its colors look vibrant and not dull. Dull colors can indicate sickness.
- Fill a tank halfway with pebbles, water, plastic plants, and live plants. You should prepare the aquarium at least 24 hours before putting the fish in it. To avoid harming the betta’s fins, prevent adding sharp items into your tank.
- The ideal temperature for any Halfmoon betta fish is 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit when they are in the tank water.
- After 24 hours, you should add a filter to ensure there are enough bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrates. This, however, usually takes about a month.
- Before placing the fish in the tank, make sure it’s at least 80 percent full of water. You should also measure and have a capacity of at least five gallons for one betta. Keep in mind, the gallon size varies based on gender, age, and the quantity of bettas in a single tank.
- The tank should have a somewhat acidic or neutral pH level (6.8-7.5). To prevent killing your fish, remove chlorine from the water tank and avoid salt.
- Be sure you replace the water in the tank weekly. This does not indicate that you must change all of the tank water simultaneously. If you don’t have a filter, change around 30%-50% of it to lessen the shock your fish would experience. If you have a filter, change around 20% of the water.
- If your fish loves to leap up and down, invest in a tank cover.
How to know if your halfmoon betta is sick
If you’re concerned that your Halfmoon betta may get unwell over time, be assured that with proper care, they’ll be fine. Various illnesses may infiltrate the tank, but the best way to prevent this from occurring to your tropical fish is to take necessary measures.
When cleaning your fish tank, it’s best not to use soap. If you are planning to do a thorough clean with soap, make sure you leave no traces of cleaner in the tank. Besides that, you may use antifungal medications to treat diseased fish to help them overcome any illness they may have. Here are four essential pointers to help you figure out if your halfmoon betta fish is sick or not.
Feeding habits
If your betta has a severe infection due to poor water quality, it may stop eating. He will attempt to brush or rub against the tank in this circumstance and avoid consuming any food.
Color
Bettas’ color fades when they get sick.
Fins
Holes will emerge on the fins of sick bettas, and they will not fan out correctly. If your betta has white patches around his head, he is most likely afflicted with the parasite Ich. You need medication to treat Ich.
Breathing issue
Bettas will sometimes go to the top of the tank to rest. However, doing so regularly can indicate illness.
If you notice that your betta fish is acting different, call your vet for possible treatment.
How to treat different illnesses in halfmoon bettas
Dropsy
Dropsy, often known as edema, is a disorder in which the soft tissues of the abdomen or other bodily cavities enlarge owing to a buildup of fluid. As the illness proceeds in your fish, it may lead to skin lesions, internal organ damage, and an increased death rate, even with therapy.
It is a sickness that affects these aquarium fish with weakened immune systems and is caused by an infection with the Aeromonas bacterium, widely found in aquarium environments. Healthy fish may be exposed to microorganisms that cause dropsy without becoming sick.
Preventing dropsy is preferable to treating it, so keep an eye on your fish and take proper care of it. Make sure your Halfmoon betta’s immune system is not weakened by low tank warmth, poor water parameters like quality, or another stressor.
Ich
There are a couple of ways to treat ich. If you notice ich has started on your fish, you may add a tablespoon per two gallons of water to treat the Ich. You may also raise the thermostat to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in giant tanks to help eradicate the parasite.
Popeye
Bulging eyes are a sign of popeye illness in a betta. In this situation, after cleaning the tank every three days, you may address the condition by adding ampicillin to the water.
Constipation
Constipation is visible by the sudden enlargement of a betta’s body. The best approach to remedy this is to cease feeding the betta their usual diet for a bit so that they can digest the meal. You may provide the betta again after a time, but it’s best to start with live food initially.
Fungal infection
When you observe illness signs in your fish, you should first change the water to improve tank conditions You must separate your fish from the tank for the cleaning procedure since this sickness is due to the contaminated water.
When the fish is eventually returned to the tank, you’ll need to use a fungus cleaner to stop the parasite from growing.
How to breed halfmoon bettas
Female bettas prefer an ideal male betta for reproduction in the wild. What makes a male ideal is the size of the bubble nest, along with the color and elegance. In most instances, though, they don’t have much choice.
Breeding betta fish may be a fun pastime, depending on how much time and money you have, how committed you are, and how much expertise you have. It might be daunting if you don’t have sufficient expertise. Breeding of Halfmoon betta comes in three steps given below:
1st stage: pre-breeding
Breeding pair selection
After properly preparing the home of your new fish, as previously described, and doing sufficient study on how to care for your betta, the next step is to choose a breeding couple. It’s a good idea to get two pairs in case one doesn’t work.
Male Halfmoon betta breeds better when they’re under thirteen months old, therefore, choosing young bettas for breeding yields better results. Any male and female bettas you pick should be of comparable size and have a well-known genetic history to ensure compatibility.
Bringing the breeding pair together
The male and female should still have separate homes, but you may relocate them closer at this stage so they can see each other. You can do this by putting their tanks adjacent to each other.
You may also transfer the female to the male tank, but be sure to separate them with a divider. Allow them to observe each other for a few days before removing them. While you’re at it, see whether they’re interested in each other.
The male will swim about and show off his fins and flair to see if the female seems interested. In a subservient manner, the female will likewise lower her head. It’s common for them to be hostile to one another when they first meet.
If this takes longer than anticipated or they attempt to break the barrier between them, try a different pair or try again later if you intend on continuing with the same pair.
2nd stage: breeding
Get them together
When the male is ready to reproduce, he makes a lot of tiny bubbles. Turn off the filter and add the female into the aquarium as soon as you observe this. The male betta will most likely follow the female around and nibble her fins at this stage.
This is perfectly natural as long as their safety is not at risk. You must keep an eye on the couple throughout the wooing stage, which might last days.
There may be instances where the male may irritate the female. Make sure she has safe hiding places when this happens.
Egg release
When the male takes the female within his bubbles, even for a few seconds, the female releases eggs, which drop from her ovipositor later. The male scoops the eggs into the nest one by one and keeps an eye on them to ensure they are secure.
At this phase, most female bettas are not participating in the care of the eggs. Some females will consume the eggs once they have recovered, so keep an eye on them.
This female behavior is normal as they get restless and eat whatever is accessible. The male and female may mate once again, but the female will eventually cease producing eggs. They may generate several eggs from single intercourse, so be ready to take care of them.
3rd stage: egg fertilization
Separation
The male might attempt to intimidate the female once she has ceased laying eggs while she hides. Remove the female fish from the tank and put her in one medicated with maroxy to aid in healing her fins.
You may use maroxy to prevent the fungus from harming the eggs in the breeding tank. Make sure to follow the directions on the maroxy package, which will let you know how much to add into your tank.
Hatching
The eggs will hatch after around three days. The male half moon betta should not be removed from the aquarium until the fry has hatched. By releasing milt in the tank, the betta fertilizes the egg externally.
It is best not to overfeed the male at this stage to avoid devouring the eggs and larvae. When the fry initially hatches, they usually hang from the nest, and the male fish replace any hatchlings that fall to the ground.
The larvae will swim independently after a few days when they begin to migrate away from the nest.
How to make sure halfmoon bettas live longer
Under ideal circumstances, bettas may live for 2-5 years in a tank, but with the right care, some betta fish can live for 7-9years! But here are various elements you can consider to extend the life of your Halfmoon betta:
Diet
A diversified protein-based food will provide your Halfmoon betta with the proper nutrition it needs to live a long and healthy life. Remove any surplus food from the tank, and don’t offer too many plant materials.
Tank size and movement
According to experts, bettas housed in more giant tanks (at least multiple gallons) and given sufficient nourishment and activity survived for almost nine years. A control group in the smaller tanks that did not get any activity or space for gliding movements survived for a shorter period.
Quality of water
A decent tank filter, live underwater plants, frequent cleanup, and the use of a water conditioner will guarantee that your Halfmoon betta lives in fresh, pH balanced, well-oxygenated water. It will help extend their lives.
Tank environment
The tank’s natural environment plays a significant role in the long lifespan of the fish. Add a water heater to maintain the perfect temperature, along with regular illumination, and appropriate tank furnishings (and compatible prospective tank mates).
Are halfmoon bettas aggressive?
Bettas are notoriously more aggressive than other fish, and Halfmoon bettas are no exception. If kept in the same tank, male Halfmoons are inclined to attack one another. Female Halfmoon bettas may become competitive and violent in a limited setting.
One or both fish might perish in small tanks since there isn’t enough area for them to form separate territories, or there isn’t a way to escape. If you install mirrors in a tank, males may react more violently than other betta fish when they see their image, causing stress.
Do halfmoon bettas jump?
Betta fish can leap reasonably high, which may surprise you. It’s incredible, given how little they are. Bettas may jump 2-3 inches out of the tank on average. It may be considerably greater in certain circumstances.
Halfmoon betta may leap out of their aquariums for a variety of reasons. The following are the most important:
Water quality issues
The water conditions might be one explanation for why your betta is leaping out of the tank. There will be an ammonia accumulation if you don’t clean your content regularly.
Whenever the ammonia concentration in your betta tank gets too high, the fish will do everything to locate clean water, even leaping out. Extreme fluctuations in pH and temperature, as well as excessive ammonia contents, might lead your betta fish to leap out of its tank.
Not enough room
You may have read that betta fish can survive in aquariums as little as a few gallons. This is not true. The truth regarding how large a betta’s tank should be is as follows.
In essence, a tank should be at least five gallons in size, but more significant is usually preferable. Not only will the ammonia contents quickly rise without this much room, but your betta will get bored with their environment.
Fill the tank with flora and accessories to further reduce the chances of boredom. Add some good tank buddies if it’s large enough!
An unsatisfactory sleep cycle
Most bettas have a sleep schedule that they must adhere to. They will feel restless and agitated if they do not follow their sleep pattern. They will get confused about their sleep cycle and may accidentally leap out of their tank.
How much does a halfmoon betta fish cost
You may spend $5 to $15 for your Halfmoon Betta based on where you live. In metropolitan locations, where demand may push up the price, fish tends to be more costly. You’ll need to buy a tank and some food in addition to the fish, which will be an added expense.
In conclusion
Even though the halfmoon betta is not difficult to care for, it does have certain specific needs. The halfmoon betta will thrive in your home tank if you stick to all of the above instructions, particularly regarding water quality parameters and tank settings.
This spectacular-looking fish will be a beautiful addition to your fish tank with its bright colors, as long as it has enough room and no hostile tank mates!
