- Sku: 200032
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Dumbo Ear Half-Moon Male Betta (Betta splendens)
This Dumbo Ear Half-Moon Male Betta (Betta splendens) combines two of the most striking betta traits: oversized "elephant ear" pectoral fins that fan dramatically with every movement, and a half-moon tail that spreads a full 180 degrees when flared. Beginner-friendly, vibrant, and full of personality. Browse the rest of our freshwater fish and pair this betta with the right plants and decor from our aquarium plant collection.
Care Guide
- Tank size: 5 gallon minimum, 10 gallon or larger preferred. Bettas need room to swim and explore, not the tiny bowls of old.
- Temperature: 76 to 82 °F. A heater is required, room temperature is too cold for them long-term.
- Water: pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard. Bettas tolerate a wide range as long as it is stable.
- Filtration: Gentle. Sponge filters or low-flow HOBs work best. Strong current exhausts a long-finned betta and tatters those fins.
- Lid required. Bettas are accomplished jumpers, especially when first added to a new tank.
- Diet: Carnivore. High-protein betta pellets daily, supplemented with frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia 2 to 3 times per week.
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years with proper care.
Specifications
| Common name | Dumbo Ear Half-Moon Betta (Male) |
| Scientific name | Betta splendens |
| Care level | Beginner |
| Temperament | Aggressive toward other bettas, generally peaceful with non-fin-nipping tank mates |
| Max size | 2.5 to 3 inches |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Tank size | 5 gallon minimum |
| Temperature | 76 to 82 °F |
| pH | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (captive bred) |
| Pickup | In-store pickup only |
Compatibility
Keep solo or with peaceful, drab tank mates. Two male bettas in the same tank will fight, often to the death. Avoid colorful or long-finned species that resemble a rival betta.
- Good tank mates: nerite snails, ramshorn snails, kuhli loaches, otocinclus catfish, corydoras catfish, ghost shrimp, and Amano shrimp in heavily planted tanks.
- Avoid: other male bettas (always), tiger barbs, serpae tetras, guppies (the long fins read as competition), and any aggressive species.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Hikari Vibra Bites — protein-rich staple food
- Aquarium Co-Op Magic Nuggets — high-quality betta-appropriate pellets
- ZooMed Betta Mopani Wood — natural driftwood centerpiece
- ZooMed Maple Leaf Betta Plant — resting platform near the surface
- Fritz Casuarina Cones — releases tannins for a soft, blackwater feel bettas love
- Live aquarium plants — for cover, hiding spots, and water quality
FAQ
What does "Dumbo Ear" mean?
It refers to the oversized pectoral fins on either side of the body. They fan out like elephant ears when the fish glides through the water, hence the nickname.
What is a Half-Moon tail?
When the fish flares, the caudal (tail) fin spreads to a full 180 degrees, forming a perfect half-circle. It is one of the most prized betta tail types.
Can I keep him with a female betta?
Not in a normal display tank. Males and females should only be paired briefly for breeding by experienced keepers with a planned conditioning setup.
Does this fish really need a heater?
Yes. Bettas are tropical fish and start to weaken below 74 °F. An inexpensive 25 to 50 watt heater is a small investment for a much healthier, longer-lived fish.
How big does he get?
Adult males typically reach 2.5 to 3 inches in length, with fins making them appear larger.
Have a question?
Dumbo Ear Half-Moon Male Betta (Betta splendens)
