{"product_id":"mustard-gas-halfmoon-male-betta-betta-splendens","title":"Mustard Gas Halfmoon Male Betta (Betta splendens)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMustard Gas Halfmoon Male Betta\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the great color combinations in the hobby: a deep royal blue body, scaled like chainmail, against fins that burn golden yellow with a dark outer edge. That hard split between body color and fin color is what makes a fish a Mustard Gas, and the sharper the line, the better the fish. Add the halfmoon tail, which opens to a full 180 degree half circle when he flares, and you get a centerpiece that does not need a single tank mate to hold your attention. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to set him up properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#FFF8E1;border-left:4px solid #F57F17;padding:10px 14px;margin:14px 0;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBettas need a real tank.\u003c\/strong\u003e Five gallons minimum, heated to 78 to 82°F, gently filtered, with a lid. The bowl on the counter is where the \"bettas only live a year\" myth comes from. Set up correctly, this fish will give you three to five years.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 gallons is the honest minimum and 10 gallons is better. More water means a more stable tank, and stability is what keeps long finned bettas healthy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeat is not optional.\u003c\/strong\u003e These are tropical fish from Southeast Asia and they need 78 to 82°F year round. A room temperature tank leaves a betta sluggish, off its food, and prone to illness. A small \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/marina-submersible-heater\"\u003esubmersible heater\u003c\/a\u003e handles it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep the flow low.\u003c\/strong\u003e That gorgeous tail is a sail. Halfmoons tire out fighting current and can end up resting on the bottom in a tank with too strong a filter. Baffle the outflow or run a gentle sponge filter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNothing sharp.\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy finnage snags and tears on plastic plants and rough ornaments. Use silk plants like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-plant-papaya\"\u003eZooMed Betta Plant\u003c\/a\u003e, live plants, or smooth wood such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-mopani-wood-natural-african-driftwood\"\u003eBetta Mopani Wood\u003c\/a\u003e. Torn fins on a halfmoon take weeks to grow back.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e carnivore, not a flake eater. A quality betta pellet like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-betta-bio-gold\"\u003eHikari Betta Bio-Gold\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-betta-floating-pellets\"\u003eXtreme Betta Floating Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e is the staple, with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-betta-food-1g-vial-bloodworms\"\u003efreeze dried bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e as a treat a couple of times a week. Two or three pellets twice a day is plenty, and overfeeding is the most common husbandry mistake.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSurface access:\u003c\/strong\u003e bettas breathe air through a labyrinth organ and must be able to reach the surface. Never fill a tank to the brim under a sealed lid, and give him a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-bed-leaf-hammock\"\u003eleaf hammock\u003c\/a\u003e near the top to rest on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTannins help.\u003c\/strong\u003e A \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-catappa-leaves-10pk\"\u003ecatappa leaf\u003c\/a\u003e softens the water slightly, releases mild antibacterial tannins, and is genuinely good for fin condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid required.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bettas jump, and a startled one will clear an open rim.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMustard Gas, halfmoon tail type, male\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOsphronemidae, the gouramis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSemi-aggressive. One male per tank, always\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 2.5 to 3 inches including finnage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5 gallons, heated and filtered\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e78 to 82°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.5 to 7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e3 to 15 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eLow. Long fins do not handle current well\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarnivore, betta pellets and frozen or freeze dried foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e3 to 5 years in a proper setup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSelectively bred. Wild \u003cem\u003eB. splendens\u003c\/em\u003e comes from Thailand and neighboring Southeast Asia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eTank Mates \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNever two males.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is the one absolute rule. Two male bettas in the same tank will fight until one is dead, and there is no tank size or amount of decor that reliably prevents it. Males and females also should not be housed together outside of a supervised, temporary breeding setup, because the male will harass the female relentlessly once spawning is over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommunity options.\u003c\/strong\u003e In a 10 gallon or larger, a calm betta often does fine with bottom dwellers and inverts that stay out of his way: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/skunk-cory-corydoras-arcuatus-freshwater\"\u003eSkunk Corys\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/black-kuhli-loach-pangio-oblonga-freshwater\"\u003eBlack Kuhli Loaches\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/otocinclus-catfish-otocinclus-vittatus-freshwater-algae-eater\"\u003eOtocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e, nerite snails, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/amano-shrimp-caridina-multidentata-freshwater\"\u003eAmano Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e. Temperament varies by individual though, so have a backup plan before you add anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to avoid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fin nippers are the obvious problem, since a halfmoon tail is the most tempting target in the tank. Skip tiger barbs and similar. Also avoid anything long finned and colorful, like fancy guppies, which a betta may read as a rival male.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther bettas we carry.\u003c\/strong\u003e If you want a different look, have a look at the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/tricolor-halfmoon-male-betta-betta-splendens\"\u003eTricolor Halfmoon\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/twintail-halfmoon-male-betta-betta-splendens\"\u003eTwintail Halfmoon\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/halfmoon-butterfly-male-betta-betta-splendens\"\u003eHalfmoon Butterfly\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/radium-rosetail-male-betta-betta-splendens\"\u003eRadium Rosetail\u003c\/a\u003e. They all go in separate tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-betta-bio-gold\"\u003eHikari Betta Bio-Gold\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/xtreme-betta-floating-pellets\"\u003eXtreme Betta Floating Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e, the daily staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-betta-food-1g-vial-bloodworms\"\u003eSFBB Freeze-Dried Bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e as a treat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/marina-submersible-heater\"\u003eMarina Submersible Heater\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-catappa-leaves-10pk\"\u003eFritz Catappa Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e for tannins and fin condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-bed-leaf-hammock\"\u003eZooMed Betta Bed Leaf Hammock\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-mopani-wood-natural-african-driftwood\"\u003eBetta Mopani Wood\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-betta-basics\"\u003eSeachem Betta Basics\u003c\/a\u003e water conditioner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat exactly makes it a Mustard Gas?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a bi-color pattern: a dark body, usually blue, steel, or green, paired with contrasting yellow or orange fins. The name comes from the sharp separation between the two. A good Mustard Gas has a clean line where the body color stops and the fin color starts, which is exactly what you see on this one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill his fins really open into a half circle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen he flares, yes. Halfmoon refers to a caudal fin that spreads to a full 180 degrees, forming a clean D shape. He will not hold it constantly, so expect the full display when he sees his reflection, another fish, or you at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan he live in a bowl or a vase?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, and this is worth being blunt about. Bettas survive in bowls because they breathe air, but they do not thrive. Unheated, unfiltered, and unstable water is what gives the species its short lifespan reputation. Five gallons with a heater is not a luxury setup, it is the baseline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is he tearing at his own tail?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTail biting turns up in heavily finned bettas and is usually linked to boredom, stress, or water quality. More enrichment, cleaner water, and a tannin source generally sort it out. It is not contagious and the fins do grow back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I get the exact fish in the photo?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe photo is of one of our actual fish rather than a stock image, but every betta is individually patterned and we may have more than one of this variety in. Stop in and pick the one you like, and we will hold him for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48113472930011,"sku":"FW1-F6934","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/blue-mustard-gas-halfmoon-male-betta-fish.jpg?v=1767884473","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/mustard-gas-halfmoon-male-betta-betta-splendens","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}