Blue Crowntail Male Fighter 5cm

Blue Crowntail Male Fighter

There isn't a fish more globally recognised than the classic fighter fish. They have been in the aquarium industry since the late 1800s, which shows just how incredibly popular they are. Of the hundreds of colour and genetic variations now available in the aquarium hobby, the blue Crowntail Betta stands out as one of the most iconic and stunning options. Their unique colour combination paired with the dramatic crown-tail fin structure makes them a showstopper in any aquarium.

This betta strain earns the name crowntail from the unique crown-like formation that its fins have, where the rays extend dramatically beyond the webbing. This striking trait gives a spiky, almost flame-like appearance to their dorsal, ventral, and tail fins while the pectoral fins remain rounded and delicate. What makes the blue variant so eye-catching is its contrast of a near black body with bright blue fins. This specific stain is often the poster child of the betta splendens. For some additional contrast, the pelvic fins also have a stunning streak of red.

Bettas in general have 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 35-40L aquarium, they can be kept with peaceful community fish under the right conditions. They are also a hardy tropical fish which can be kept in temperatures between 24-28°C and make for a fun breeding project due to the challenge of conditioning both male and female to breed and raising the fry. Bettas are naturally found in the waterways of Southeast Asia.

Tank Recommendations for your Blue Crowntail Male Fighter

Blue crowntail bettas 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 litres. They will, however, be a fantastic centrepiece fish in larger peaceful aquariums with slow-moving fish. The substrate of the aquarium is not too much of a concern; however, crowntail fighters will love a well-planted aquarium. This not only allows them to contrast beautifully against the bright greenery but also provides plenty of places to retreat and feel secure. Adding dark backgrounds and soft leaf plants like Anubias or Java Fern can make their colours absolutely pop.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Blue crowntail fighters are relatively peaceful fish when paired correctly and can often be bullied by faster tank mates that nip at their trailing fins. Their slow swimming style also means they can easily be outcompeted during feeding time, so careful selection of tank mates is necessary.

Usually Compatible

Small tetras such as embers, along with corydoras, loaches, and similar peaceful fish

Sometime Compatible

Dwarf cichlids such as Bolivian rams, or apistogramma, which may show aggression, or fast-moving species such as giant danios, torpedo barbs, or black widow tetras, which might be too fast and outcompete the short-fin betta.

Rarely Compatible

Shrimp, other male betta, and fin-nipping species.

Feeding your Blue Crowntail Male Fighter

Blue Crowntail Betta fish are incredibly easy to feed. They take to a wide range of foods and should have a varied diet for optimal health. Giving 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 mostly top-dwelling nature, they should be given foods that readily float for them to eat easily.