Assorted Male Select Halfmoon Rosetail 6cm

Assorted Rosetail Halfmoon Male Fighter

Betta breeding and the ability to choose out selective traits is almost an art form at this stage. Aquarists all around the world have been experimenting with betta colours and fin variations essentially since betta could be bred in captivity. Of these strains developed by breeders, quite easily the most popular would be a half-moon betta. Just when we thought there isn’t a betta to top the elegance of the half-moon, the rose tail enters the picture.

This betta strain earns the name rose tail because of the ruffling and higher volume of fins. It still sorts the same half-moon shape but with a stunning and beautifully contorted fin patterning that resembles a flowering rose. In males, this trait is especially pronounced, and the flowing fin effect is shown off as these fish swim around their tank.

Aside from their stunning fin structure, the colours of this fish are almost like a random selection from a rainbow. They can range in blues, reds, blacks, whites, yellows and the list continue, it can often be a pleasantly painful experience trying to select a colour from this array which is why the assorted option offered by the LiveFish team is sort of like a betta lucky dip. 

Betta in general has developed a few false reputations, the first being that they can thrive in incredibly small environments like vases and jugs which is not true. Much like any aquarium fish, they need proper filtration and a spacious environment relative to their max size of 5 - 6 cm. The second common misconception is that they are aquarium terrors which will kill every fish on sight. Though male fighters are aggressive to other males and potentially aggressive in tight environments, in a standard 35L (10 gallons) aquarium they can be kept with other community fish. 

They are also hardy tropical fish that can be kept in temperatures between 24-28 and also make for a fun breeding project due to the challenge of conditioning the male and female to breed and rising the fry. Betta is naturally found in the waterways of Southeast Asia.  

Tank Recommendations for your Retail half-moon Fighter

Retail betta max out at around the 5 - 6 cm mark and are surprisingly active and flashy fish which is why they would be great in a nano aquarium with a minimum volume of 35 L. They will, however, be great centerpiece fish in the larger peaceful aquariums with slow-moving fish.

The substrate of the aquarium is not too much of a concern however retail fighters will love a well-planted aquarium. This allows them to contrast amazingly against the bright plants but also gives them a place of refuge to hide as well. 

Care should however be taken with the choice of filtration and hardscape in the tank. With the additional fin volume, these fish can be slow swimmers and powerful filter intakes can cause the betta to get suctioned on it. Sharp hardscape materials can also lead to damage to the fins as well. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Retail fighters are relatively peaceful fish and often get bullied by other tank mated which nip at their trailing fins. Their slow nature also means they can get easily outcompeted during feeding time which is why care should be taken when selecting tank mates.

Usually Compatible

Small tetras such as neon, ember, rummy nose, and similar species. 

Sometime Compatible

Dwarf cichlids such as Bolivian rams, or Apistogramma may show aggression or fast-moving species such as giant danios, torpedo barbs, or Congo tetras might outcompete for food.

Rarely Compatible 

Shrimp, other male betta, tiger barbs, and larger species such as Uaru will certainly outcompete the slower betta. 

Feeding your Rosetail Fighter

Retail fighter fish are incredibly easy to feed. They take to a wide range of foods and should have a varied diet for optimal health, going them a range of flake, pellets, frozen and live foods will not only make them thrive but also show off amazing colours. Because of their most top-dwelling nature, they should be given foods that readily float for them to eat easily.