Male Fancy Siamese Fighting Fish (Below Standard) 5cm

Male Fancy Siamese Fighting Fish (Below Standard)

There probably isn't another freshwater fish that has introduced more people to the aquarium hobby than the Siamese Fighting Fish. Bettas have been selectively bred for hundreds of years, producing an incredible variety of colours, finnage, and patterns that continue to evolve today. While these "Below Standard" males may not meet the strict requirements for show-quality fish, they still possess all of the personality, beauty, and charm that have made Bettas one of the world's most popular aquarium fish.

As this listing contains assorted "Below Standard" males, every fish is unique. These Bettas may display slight imperfections in finnage, colour, or symmetry when compared to exhibition-quality specimens. However, many still develop stunning metallic blues, vibrant reds, brilliant whites, or marble patterning. Some individuals may carry unusual colour combinations or interesting genetic traits that simply fall outside competition standards. What they lose in perfection, they more than make up for in personality, with every fish developing its own curious and interactive nature.

Male Bettas are extremely easy to sex due to their larger finnage and more vibrant colours when compared to females. Breeding Bettas is one of the most fascinating behaviours in the aquarium hobby, with the male constructing a floating bubble nest before embracing the female beneath it. Once spawning has finished, the male alone guards the eggs and continues caring for the developing fry until they become free-swimming.

Tank Recommendations for your Male Fancy Siamese Fighting Fish

A minimum aquarium size of 40 litres is recommended for a single male Betta.

A well-planted aquarium with gentle water movement, floating plants, and plenty of cover provides the ideal environment. Contrary to popular belief, Bettas should never be permanently housed in bowls or small containers, as they require stable water quality, heating, and filtration to truly thrive.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Male Bettas are peaceful towards most community fish, but remain highly territorial towards other male Bettas.

Usually Compatible
Corydoras, kuhli loaches, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, otocinclus, and other peaceful community fish that are unlikely to nip fins or compete aggressively.

Sometimes Compatible
Shrimp, peaceful gouramis, and slower-moving community fish may coexist successfully, depending on the individual Betta's temperament.

Rarely Compatible
Other male Bettas, tiger barbs, serpae tetras, and long-finned fish such as guppies should generally be avoided due to aggression or fin nipping.

Feeding your Male Fancy Siamese Fighting Fish

Bettas are carnivorous and thrive on a protein-rich diet. A quality Betta pellet should form the basis of their feeding routine, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, and other meaty foods to maintain excellent health and vibrant colours.