Tricolor Halfmoon Male Betta (Betta splendens)

This Tricolor Halfmoon Male Betta (Betta splendens) is a stunning, hand-selected show betta with a full 180-degree halfmoon tail and a vivid three-color wash of blue, red, and iridescent highlights. Bettas are hardy, personable, and among the easiest fish to fall in love with, which makes them a perfect centerpiece for a desktop tank or planted nano. Browse the rest of our freshwater livestock while you are here.

What you see is what you get. The photo shows the exact betta you will receive. Color and finnage continue to develop as a young betta matures, and shades shift slightly with lighting and mood.

Care Guide

Bettas are a great beginner fish, but the myth that they thrive in tiny unheated bowls is just that, a myth. Give yours a small heated tank and it will reward you with bold color and a long, active life.

• Tank size: 5 gallons or larger, with a lid. Bettas are labyrinth fish that gulp air from the surface, and they are accomplished jumpers, so a cover is a must.
• Heat & flow: Keep it at a steady 78 to 82°F with a heater, and use gentle filtration. Strong current tires out a long-finned halfmoon, so baffle the flow if needed.
• Water: pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderate hardness. Stable, clean water with regular partial changes matters more than chasing exact numbers.
• Setup: Live or silk plants and smooth decor with hiding spots. Avoid sharp or rough ornaments that can tear delicate fins.
• Diet: A carnivore. Feed a quality betta pellet as the staple and supplement with frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Specifications

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Male bettas are territorial and must be kept one to a tank. Never house two males together, and do not keep a male with females outside of a controlled breeding setup. In a 10 gallon or larger planted tank, a male betta can often share space with calm, non-nipping companions such as corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, ramshorn or nerite snails, and Amano shrimp. Avoid fin-nippers like tiger barbs and some tetras, avoid gouramis, and avoid any flashy, long-finned fish the betta might mistake for a rival. Watch closely when adding tank mates and have a backup plan in case your betta prefers to live solo.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Hikari Betta Ultimate Water Conditioner to dechlorinate and protect the slime coat
• Hikari Betta Revive to keep on hand for fin and disease care
• Browse fish foods for a quality betta pellet, plus all freshwater supplies

FAQ

Is this the exact betta I will receive?
Yes. This is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get listing, so you take home the specific fish pictured.

Can a betta really live in a bowl?
Not happily. A heated, filtered 5 gallon tank keeps the water stable and your betta healthy, active, and brightly colored for years.

Can I keep two bettas together?
No two males, ever. They will fight. Keep one male per tank, and only pair with peaceful, non-nipping tank mates in a larger planted setup.

Why does my betta gulp air at the surface?
That is normal. Bettas have a labyrinth organ and breathe air directly, which is exactly why a secure lid is important.