{"product_id":"red-dragon-shortfin-halfmoon-betta-male-betta-splendens","title":"Red Dragon Shortfin Halfmoon Betta - Male (Betta splendens)","description":"\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 Pick up at \u003cstrong\u003e1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville, GA\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eRed Dragon Shortfin Halfmoon Betta\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e) is a stunning male with the prized \"dragon scale\" pattern — a pale, opaque body overlaid with thick, metallic red scales that catch the light like armor. The shortfin (plakat) body and halfmoon caudal flare make this fish both athletic and dramatic when it spreads its fins. Beginner-friendly, semi-aggressive, and the centerpiece of any 5-gallon-plus setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePair with our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003elive plants\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater livestock\u003c\/a\u003e — bettas thrive in planted, dimly lit tanks with low flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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 minimum, 10+ gallons ideal. Bettas are NOT bowl fish — they need filtration, a heater, and stable water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Required. Bettas are tropical and stress in cool water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle. Sponge filters or baffled HOBs work best — their long fins drag in strong current.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Live or silk plants, broadleaf species for resting near the surface, plus a betta hammock or floating leaf. Avoid sharp décor that could tear fins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bettas are notorious jumpers, especially when first introduced. A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore. Offer high-quality \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/new-life-spectrum-betta-semi-floating-pellet\"\u003ebetta pellets\u003c\/a\u003e as the staple, with frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp as treats 2–3 times per week. Feed 2–4 small meals per day; bettas overeat readily.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\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%;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;width:40%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSiamese Fighting Fish, Betta\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\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;\"\u003eRed Dragon, Shortfin (Plakat) Halfmoon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMale\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;\"\u003eSoutheast Asia (captive-bred)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e2.5–3 inches\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;\"\u003e3–5 years with proper care\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-friendly\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 (males)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5 gallons\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;\"\u003e76–82°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;\"\u003e6.5–7.5\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;\"\u003e5–19 dGH\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\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\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;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest kept alone\u003c\/strong\u003e for guaranteed safety, especially given the long fins of halfmoons (shortfins fare a little better in community settings). If you want tank mates in a 10+ gallon planted tank, consider peaceful nano species: ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/kuhli-loach\"\u003ekuhli loaches\u003c\/a\u003e, nerite snails, or amano shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNever combine\u003c\/strong\u003e with: another male betta (will fight to the death), females (only safe in supervised breeding setups), fin-nippers like tiger barbs or serpae tetras, or any brightly colored long-finned fish like guppies (which males will mistake for rivals).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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\/new-life-spectrum-betta-semi-floating-pellet\"\u003eNew Life Spectrum Betta Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e — high-quality staple diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-mopani-wood-natural-african-driftwood\"\u003eZooMed Betta Mopani Wood\u003c\/a\u003e — naturally tannin-leaching driftwood for blackwater conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-maple-leaf-betta-plant-silk-suction-cup\"\u003eZooMed Maple Leaf Betta Plant\u003c\/a\u003e — soft suction-cup resting leaf\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fritz-casuarina-cones-freshwater-botanical\"\u003eFritz Casuarina Cones\u003c\/a\u003e — tannins lower pH and provide a natural antifungal effect\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/maintenance-water-care\"\u003eWater conditioners \u0026amp; treatments\u003c\/a\u003e — keep parameters stable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\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 does \"Red Dragon\" mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e It's a color pattern: a pale, opaque body overlaid with thick, metallic red scales. The \"dragon\" effect comes from iridescent scales that look like armor plating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between shortfin and longfin?\u003c\/strong\u003e Shortfin (plakat) bettas have compact, athletic fins — closer to the wild form. Halfmoon shortfins still spread their caudal to 180° when flared, just without the trailing fin length of longfin varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan he live in a bowl?\u003c\/strong\u003e No. A 5-gallon filtered, heated tank is the minimum. Bowls don't hold stable temperature or water chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does he build bubble nests?\u003c\/strong\u003e Male bettas build floating bubble nests as a natural breeding behavior. It's a sign of a healthy, happy fish — not a sign that he needs a mate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo bettas really fight to the death?\u003c\/strong\u003e Two males in the same tank will absolutely fight, often fatally. Never house males together. Even females (in sororities) require a very specific setup and aren't beginner-friendly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48518109364443,"sku":"FW1-F7620","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/image_80068ff4-a4ee-4a23-a2be-b666f93b83ce.jpg?v=1774630517","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/red-dragon-shortfin-halfmoon-betta-male-betta-splendens","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}