Male Siamese Betta Black Light 6cm

Male Siamese Betta Black Light

The allure of fighting fish often comes from their extravagant display of flowing fins which is why they are one of the most globally recognised fish. They have been in the aquarium industry since the late 1800s which shows just how incredibly popular they are. Because of their star status, there are now hundreds of colour and genetic variations now available in the aquarium hobby with one of the more new and unique strains being the Black Light Betta. 

The Black Light Betta has got to be one of the more contrasting yet simplistic betta available in the aquarium hobby. This strain has a gun-metal grey body with a fish-net style criss-cross jet black patterning. This jet-black transitions into an incredibly vibrant blue which essentially glows in the home aquarium. This blue also presents itself in a very light sheen from head to tail. This is a fish that will truly glow especially when kept in a black background with bright LED lighting. These bettas are also a Plakat or a short fin strain which generally makes them more athletic and active. They also make for an amazing, personality-filled display fish in a small desktop aquarium and tick all the boxes that a beginner aquarist may want. 

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 that will kill every fish in sight. Though male fighters are aggressive to other males and potentially aggressive in tight environments, in a standard 40L aquarium they can be kept with other community fish. 

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

Tank Recommendations for your Male Siamese Betta Black Light

Black Light 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 40 L. They will however be great centrepiece fish in larger peaceful aquariums with smaller fish. The substrate of the aquarium is not too much of a concern however Black Light Betta 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. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Black Light Betta are a relatively peaceful fish and because they do not have overly extravagant fins, they are very athletic and can compete with faster-moving tank mates. Though these fighting fish are peaceful they can at times be territorial which is why larger aquariums are better. They do at times have the rare risk of chasing down tank mates with ease due to their streamlined structure and causing unwanted stress so it is best to assess the behaviour of your individual fish when it is added to the aquarium and the following few days. 

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 Bettas, and fin-nipping species.

Feeding your Male Siamese Betta Black Light

Black Light Betta 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 mostly top-dwelling nature, they should be given foods that readily float for them to eat easily.  Feeding should occur once a day and it is best to do so when the lights are on during the day.