WYSIWYG Red Gold Galaxy Super Delta Male Betta (Betta splendens)

This Red Gold Galaxy Super Delta Male Betta (Betta splendens) is a deep tomato red fish scattered with white and pale gold speckles across his head, back and dorsal fin, with a flash of gold along the rays at the base of his tail. "Galaxy" is the name for that starry, speckled look, and it comes from the same marble family as koi bettas. "Super delta" describes the tail: a wide, rounded spread that opens almost to a half circle without quite reaching a full halfmoon. Like most domestic bettas he is hardy and a good choice for a first betta, as long as he gets a heated, filtered tank. Browse the rest of our live freshwater fish and freshwater supplies to set his tank up right.

Why WYSIWYG Matters on a Galaxy Betta

A stock photo tells you almost nothing about a galaxy betta, because no two have the same spread of speckles. The photo on this listing is this fish in our tank, as he looks right now. Galaxy and koi bettas carry the marble gene, a jumping gene that keeps switching pigment on and off for the fish's whole life, so his speckles can spread, shrink or shift over the coming months, and the red can deepen or lighten. That change is part of the fun of a marble type. If you want a pattern that stays put, a solid color betta is the safer pick. Think of the photo as an honest starting point, not a frozen guarantee.

Care Guide

• Tank size: 5 gallons minimum, 10 gallons is better. Cups and bowls are survival, not living. In a heated, filtered, cycled tank a betta explores, builds bubble nests and shows his best color.
• Temperature: 78 to 82°F, and a heater is not optional. Cold water makes a betta lethargic and prone to illness, and a steady temperature matters more than hitting a perfect number.
• Gentle flow. His wide super delta tail catches current like a sail, so baffle the filter outlet or use a sponge filter. Strong flow wears him out and leads to torn fins.
• Leave an air gap and use a lid. Bettas breathe air at the surface through their labyrinth organ, and they are good jumpers.
• Water parameters: pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard. Do weekly partial water changes with Seachem Betta Basics or another betta water conditioner.
• Feeding: carnivore. Use a betta pellet like Fluval Bug Bites Betta Formula as the staple, with frozen bloodworms or baby brine shrimp two or three times a week. Small portions, a few pellets at a time.
• Decor: give him plants and resting spots near the surface, such as Anubias Nana and a leaf hammock. Skip anything with sharp edges, because long fins tear easily.
• One male per tank. Non-negotiable. Two male bettas in the same water will fight until one of them is dead.

Specifications

Compatibility

He can live in a community tank of 10 gallons or more if you pick the right neighbors: nothing that nips, nothing flashy enough to look like a rival, and nothing small enough to swallow. Good choices include Pygmy Cories, Otocinclus, Black Kuhli Loaches, Ember Tetras in a group of six or more, and a Racetrack Nerite Snail. In a 5 gallon he is happiest alone, with a nerite snail at most.

Avoid fin nippers like tiger barbs and serpae tetras, long-finned or brightly colored fish like fancy guppies, and gouramis. Never a second betta. Temperament varies by individual, so watch the tank closely for the first week and have a backup plan.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Fluval Bug Bites Betta Formula or Hikari Betta Bio-Gold as the daily staple
• Frozen bloodworms or Fluval freeze-dried bloodworms as a treat
• Seachem Betta Basics or Fritz Betta Water for water changes
• Sicce Jolly 10W Pre-Set Heater for a 5 gallon, or the 20W for a 10 gallon
• ZooMed Betta Floating Lounge and a Hikari Dark Rock Cave for resting spots
• Fritz Catappa Leaves and ZooMed Mopani Wood for tannins and cover

FAQ

Is the photo really this fish?
Yes. That is him in one of our tanks, photographed as he is now. That is what WYSIWYG means. There is one of him, so when he sells the page comes down instead of being restocked with a different betta.

Will he keep this exact pattern?
Probably not exactly. Galaxy bettas carry the marble gene, so the speckles can grow, fade or move around over months, and some fish change a lot. Most keep the overall red and speckled look, but no one can promise a marble betta's pattern.

What is the difference between a super delta and a halfmoon?
Both are long-finned forms sold on tail spread. A halfmoon's tail opens to a full 180 degrees, a straight D shape. A super delta opens wide, usually 120 to 160 degrees, so it looks almost as full with a little less weight to carry.

Does he really need a heater and a filter?
Yes. Bettas are tropical fish, and room temperature water is too cold for them most of the year. A small preset heater and a gentle sponge filter make a big difference in color, activity and lifespan.

Can he live with another betta?
No. Male bettas fight, often to the death, and even a divider is a compromise. Keep him as the only betta in his tank.

Why is he flaring at his reflection?
Flaring is how a male betta shows off to a rival, and he cannot tell his reflection from another fish. A little flaring is healthy exercise. If he does it constantly, dim the room lights or add a background to the tank.