Halfmoon Butterfly Male Betta (Betta splendens)

The Halfmoon Butterfly Male Betta (Betta splendens) is a true show fish, with a tail that opens a full 180 degrees into a clean half circle and a two-tone butterfly pattern where rich body color flows into the fins and ends in a pale outer band. Bettas are beginner-friendly, full of personality, and make a striking centerpiece for a small heated tank. Browse our other live freshwater fish while you plan his home.

Please note: each betta is a hand-picked individual, so the exact fish you receive may vary slightly from the photo. You are welcome to come meet him in store.

Care Guide

Bettas are tropical fish that need a heated, gently filtered tank with easy access to the surface, since they breathe air through a special labyrinth organ. A halfmoon's heavy finnage makes him a slow, deliberate swimmer, so keep the flow soft, skip sharp decor that could tear his fins, and always use a lid, as bettas are accomplished jumpers.

• Minimum tank size: 5 gallons for one male.
• Temperature: 78 to 82°F. A heater is required.
• Water: pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard, with gentle filtration.
• Diet: Carnivore. Feed a quality betta pellet as the staple plus frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia for variety.
• Cover: Provide live or silk plants, a floating plant or two, and a cave. Resting spots near the surface keep him calm and confident.

Specifications

Compatibility

A single male betta shines as the centerpiece of a peaceful community tank. Good tankmates include small peaceful schooling fish, corydoras catfish like the Panda Cory, kuhli loaches, otocinclus, and nerite snails. Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs, never add a second betta of either sex long-term, and skip large or aggressive fish. With a tail this large, many keepers give him his own planted 5-gallon where the full halfmoon spread takes center stage.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• New Life Spectrum Betta Semi-Floating Pellet or Seachem NutriDiet Betta with Probiotics as a staple food.
• Seachem Prime to dechlorinate every water change.
• A Hikari Dark Rock Cave and ZooMed Betta Mopani Wood for cover and resting spots.
• Fritz Casuarina Cones for gentle tannins that mimic his natural blackwater habitat.
• Browse all of our fish food and freshwater supplies.

FAQ

What does halfmoon mean?
His tail opens to a full 180 degrees when he flares, forming a clean half circle. It is one of the most prized tail types in the betta hobby.

What is the butterfly pattern?
Butterfly bettas have two-tone fins. The body color runs partway into the fins, then stops at a pale outer band, creating a crisp ringed effect.

Can I keep him with another betta?
No. Male bettas are territorial and will fight other males, and pairing with a female only works briefly under controlled breeding conditions. Keep him as the only betta in the tank.

Does he need a heater?
Yes. Bettas are tropical and need stable water in the upper 70s. A small adjustable heater is essential.