American Flag Crowntail Male Betta (Betta splendens)

This American Flag Crowntail Male Betta (Betta splendens) is a hand-selected show betta in a patriotic wash of red, white, and blue, with the dramatic spiky rays that give the crowntail its name. Bettas are hardy, personable, and among the easiest fish to fall in love with, which makes them a perfect centerpiece for a desktop tank or planted nano. Browse the rest of our freshwater livestock while you are here.

What you see is what you get. The photo shows the exact betta you will receive. Color and finnage continue to develop as a young betta matures, and shades shift slightly with lighting and mood.

Care Guide

Bettas are a great beginner fish, but the myth that they thrive in tiny unheated bowls is just that, a myth. Give yours a small heated tank and it will reward you with bold color and a long, active life.

• Tank size: 5 gallons or larger, with a lid. Bettas are labyrinth fish that gulp air from the surface, and they are accomplished jumpers, so a cover is a must.
• Heat & flow: Keep it at a steady 78 to 82°F with a heater, and use gentle filtration. Strong current tires out a long-finned betta, so baffle the flow if needed.
• Water: pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderate hardness. Crowntail rays show fin damage faster than other tail types, so stable, clean water with regular partial changes is extra important here.
• Setup: Live or silk plants and smooth decor with hiding spots. Avoid sharp or rough ornaments that can snag those long open rays.
• Diet: A carnivore. Feed a quality staple like Xtreme Betta Floating Pellets and supplement with frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Specifications

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Male bettas are territorial and must be kept one to a tank. Never house two males together, and do not keep a male with females outside of a controlled breeding setup. In a 10 gallon or larger planted tank, a male betta can share space with peaceful, quick schooling fish like ember tetras, small rasboras, and corydoras, plus nerite snails on cleanup duty. Skip fin-nippers like tiger barbs and anything flashy or long-finned that he might mistake for a rival.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Xtreme Betta Floating Pellets, a krill-first staple sized for betta mouths
• Hikari Betta Ultimate Water Conditioner to dechlorinate and protect the slime coat
• Hikari Betta Revive to keep on hand for fin and disease care
• Seachem Betta Basics for easy water prep in small tanks
• Browse all freshwater livestock and supplies

FAQ

Is this the exact betta I will receive?
Yes. This is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get listing, so you take home the specific fish pictured.

What makes a crowntail different from other bettas?
The webbing between his tail rays is reduced, so the rays extend past the fin edge like the points of a crown. It is one of the most dramatic tail types, and this red, white, and blue pattern makes it pop even more.

Can a betta really live in a bowl?
Not happily. A heated, filtered 5 gallon tank keeps the water stable and your betta healthy, active, and brightly colored for years.

Can I keep two bettas together?
No two males, ever. They will fight. Keep one male per tank, and only pair him with peaceful, non-nipping community fish in 10 gallons or more.