Super Giant Shortfin Halfmoon Male Betta (Betta splendens) | Live Freshwater Fish

Pickup Only — In-Store Only. This betta is available for in-store pickup only at Squeaky's Aquatics, 1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville GA. We do not ship live bettas; please plan to pick up in-store. Local pickup is always free.

The Super Giant Shortfin Halfmoon Male is a heavyweight in the betta world — Super Giant genetics push body length up to 3–4 inches (vs. ~2.5 in for a standard halfmoon), while the Shortfin profile keeps the fins crisp and streamlined instead of overgrown. The Halfmoon tail still spreads to a full 180° when flared, giving you the best of both worlds: imposing size without the fin-rot risk that plagues long-finned giants.

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• Common Name: Super Giant Shortfin Halfmoon Betta — Male
• Scientific Name: Betta splendens
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches body length (Super Giant strain)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years with stable husbandry
• Minimum Tank: 10 gal recommended for a Super Giant
• Temperature: 78–82 °F (heater required)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: GH 5–15, KH 3–10
• Care Level: Beginner–Intermediate
• Temperament: Aggressive toward other males — solo-only display fish

Bettas evolved in slow-moving rice paddies and shallow pools, so the priority is warm, calm water. Use a sponge filter or baffled hang-on-back filter — strong flow exhausts even a Shortfin Halfmoon. A heater is non-negotiable. Provide silk or live plants (anubias, java fern, hornwort), a couple of low caves, and floating cover so they can hide and rest near the surface.

Never house with another male betta. Period. Suitable tank mates for a 10+ gal setup include peaceful community fish (corydoras, kuhli loaches, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras), snails (Nerite, Mystery, Pagoda), and most peaceful inverts. Avoid: long-finned tank mates (other male bettas obviously, but also fancy guppies — fin-nipping risk goes both ways), aggressive tetras (tiger barbs, serpae), and anything that nips.

Bettas are obligate carnivores. Feed a varied, protein-rich diet:

• High-quality betta pellets as a daily staple (2–4 pellets, 1–2 times per day)
• Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mysis — 2–3 times per week
• Occasional freeze-dried treats — soak first to prevent bloating

Skip one feeding day per week to give the digestive tract a break — bettas are prone to constipation and bloat from overfeeding. Remove uneaten food after a few minutes.

Drip-acclimate slowly over 30–45 minutes once you get him home — match temperature first, then introduce small amounts of tank water gradually. Confirm 0 ammonia / 0 nitrite and stable temperature before transferring.

This fish is held in our store and ready for in-store pickup at 1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville GA. We'll bag him fresh at checkout. Bring an insulated tote or cooler if your drive home is over 30 minutes — bettas don't tolerate cold transport well.

• Premium betta pellets & frozen foods — varied protein for color and finnage
• Seachem Prime & water conditioners — neutralize chlorine on every water change
• Heaters, sponge filters & freshwater accessories — warmth and gentle flow are essential
• Live or silk plants (anubias, java fern, hornwort) — bettas love resting on broad leaves

Why is this pickup-only?
We don't ship single live bettas. Stress and temperature swings during shipping aren't worth the risk for a fish at this price point. He's healthy and ready to go — come pick him up in-store at 1885 Braselton Hwy, Suite D, Lawrenceville GA.

How big will he get?
Super Giant strain bettas reach 3–4 inches body length, noticeably larger than the standard 2.5 in halfmoon. Plan tank size accordingly — 10 gal minimum, 15–20 gal even better.

Can I keep him with other fish?
Yes, with the right tank mates: corydoras, kuhli loaches, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, snails, peaceful shrimp. Never with another male betta. Long-finned fancy guppies are a bad match (fin-nip risk both directions).

Does he need a heater?
Absolutely. Bettas are tropical — anything below 75 °F slows the immune system and invites fin rot, fungal issues, and lethargy. Aim for 78–82 °F year-round.

What do I do when I get home?
Drip-acclimate over 30–45 minutes to match parameters, then net him into the tank (don't pour bag water in). Lights low for the first day, normal feeding from day two onward.