Giant Betta Fish Complete Care Guide

 

The giant betta fish is a variation of the famous Betta splendens. They are also known as super giant bettas. It is a desired fish for its size and numerous color patterns. Their main characteristic, which differentiates them from traditional bettas, is their size. These fish can reach up to 7 inches, making them the largest betta fish in the world, and a captivating choice for experienced aquarists.

Giant Betta Fish Complete Care Guide (Breeding, Feeding, And Tank Mates)
    Giant Betta History
          Lifespan
          Giant betta appearance
          Giant betta size
          Giant betta colors and patterns
          Giant betta fin variation
          Importance of coloration and fin shape of giant bettas
          Giant betta vs king betta
    Giant Betta Behavior
          Territorialism and solitary behavior of giant betta fish
          Interaction with the environment
          Visual and social recognition: interaction with the caregiver
          Personality variation
          Behavioral differences between males and females giant betta fish
    Setting Up the Ideal Aquarium for Your Giant Betta
          Giant betta tank size
          Decoration and Substrate
          Water parameters for giant betta: ideal conditions
          Water quality for giant betta fish
          Filters and Circulation
          Adequate Lighting
          Enrichment elements and animal welfare
          Observation and adjustments
    Proper Nutrition for Giant Betta
          The digestive system of giant betta
          Specific nutritional needs for giant betta fish
          Feeding behavior of betta fish
          Feeding frequency in giant betta fish
          Diet for giant betta fish
          Varying the diet for giant betta fish
          Temperature and its influence on the feeding of the giant betta
          Observation during the feeding of the giant betta
    Health and Common Diseases in Giant Betta
          Disease prevention and identification
          Maintaining water quality
          Stress
          Common Symptoms of Health Problems
    Giant Betta Reproduction
          Giant betta fish mating and rituals
          Caring for eggs and giant betta fry
          Separating the fry
          Selection of giant betta breeding pairs
    Suitable Tankmates for Giant Bettas
          Corydoras
          Mystery snail
          Tetras and rasboras
    Tankmates to Avoid
          Guppies
          Aggressive or large fish
          Fish that live in extreme conditions
    Giant Betta Fish FAQ
          What is the maximum size of a giant betta?
          Can I keep giant betta with other fish in a community tank?
          What is the ideal diet for a giant betta?
          What is the ideal temperature for a giant betta tank?
          How can I identify if the giant betta is sick?
          How long does it take for giant betta eggs to hatch into fry?
          Do giant bettas require specific care during breeding?

Giant Betta History

Giant bettas are captive-bred fish from wild betta fish. Thai breeders selected fish that had large size as their main characteristic and bred them among themselves

Breeders then keep the young bettas in large aquariums with excellent water quality. The fish, from frying, then receive a protein-rich diet, thus promoting greater vitality and nutrients for robust growth.

Over the years, betta breeders replicated this process until they developed the giant betta fish lineage we find in the hobby today.

Early giant bettas exhibited little variation in color and fin patterns; they were generally monochromatic, unlike today's domesticated bettas. These primordial giant bettas had sizes that measured between 2.5 to 5 inches.

Nowadays, several breeders have improved the lineage, creating giant bettas with diverse colors and fin patterns. The fish then became desired by hobbyists, entering the aquarium trade worldwide.

In Southwest Asian countries, mainly Thailand, betta fish have been bred in captivity for years. Many Thai betta fish breeders were committed to developing varieties of bettas that had their large size as their main characteristic. This trait has a practical reason, as larger fish are more fight resistant.

Betta breeders are people dedicated to a continuous job, which can take years and many generations of fish to complete. We cultivate our bettas with the utmost care, from selecting the best breeding stock to packaging them at the time of sale. Our fish demonstrate our care with strains showing consistent sizes, colors, and quality, unlike our competitors.

Lifespan

Giant betta have the same lifespan as common bettas, living for 1.5 to 2 years. Their lifespan is often due to the fish's genetics and environmental conditions.

Giant betta appearance

Giant betta fish presents the exuberant appearance of different colors and patterns found on Betta splendens. These big betta fish have an elongated, muscular body with an upturned mouth and well-developed eyes on the sides of the head.

 

Giant betta size

For a betta variety, the betta giant size is impressive, ranging from 5 to 7 inches in length, making them the largest betta fish in the world. Giant bettas are huge next to normal bettas, learn all about the size of these fish by reading Giant Betta vs Normal - How Big do Betta Fish Get?

Despite being the same fish, breeders sometimes categorize them based on their growth rate.

Giant Betta, reach a size of 2 to 3 inches around 4 months and are generally more compact in structure, reaching up to 3.5 inches as an adult.

The so-called super giant betta, under ideal conditions, usually reach a size of 3 inches around 4 months of age, reaching 5 inches when adult.

Giant betta colors and patterns

These big betta fish display a spectacular color palette. Because they are captive-created fish with an aesthetic bias, there are many colors of giant betta fish, ranging from individuals with solid colors such as green, yellow, and white to patterns with multiple colors and markings such as tiger, galaxy, multicolors, etc.

Their scales can also feature intricate patterns, as in the case of the giant dragon, making each fish a work of art. If you are interested in knowing more about the colors and types of these huge betta, we talk all about it in the Giant Betta Types article

Giant betta fin variation

As vital as the fish coloration and pattern, the giant betta has its fins as one of its most striking features.

There are several fin variations, short fins in plakats, long fins, halfmoon, delta, and many more.

The caudal fin is always exuberant in male giant betta fish, creating a majestic look. The variety of fin shapes adds even more aesthetic diversity to the giant betta.

Importance of coloration and fin shape of giant bettas

Super giant bettas can display lush colors and unique fin shapes, so these fish play a significant role in the aquarium trade and hobby.

The color and shape of the fins are the main factors that define the value and rarity of these biggest betta fish. There are even betta contests, where judges analyze and punctuate parameters such as beauty, color rarity, fin proportions, and other factors related to the visual aspect of the giant betta fish.

Aquarists from everywhere in the world compete to present the most impressive specimens, where judges carefully evaluate the fish. Giant bettas with rare colors and unique patterns gain prominence and market value in these competitions. The shows and contests also exhibit the new fixed patterns and colors.

Difficulty in obtaining a color, fin shape, and other characteristics plays a crucial role in determining the value and rarity of giant betta. Aquarists and collectors look for giant betta individuals with unique colorations and unusual fins; these fish can fetch high prices due to their exclusivity.

Giant betta vs king betta

Both giant bettas and king bettas are variations bred from the Betta splendens fish. The two fish are similar in appearance. What differentiates them is the size of the body and fins.

King Betta are smaller than giants (it wouldn't be called giant king betta or super giant betta if it wasn't the largest betta fish variety). King bettas reach somewhere around 3 inches, a little bigger than regular bettas. King betta also has shorter fins, resembling those of a plakat betta.

Like giant bettas, breeders created king bettas in captivity through the selection and crossing of individuals of plakat fighting lineage. The history behind the development of these animals is a bit unclear.

Aquarists discuss and believe that king bettas are hybrid fish, where Betta splendes were crossed with other species like B. imbellis and B. mahachaiensis to increase the level of aggressiveness of individuals.

If you wanna know more about the differences concerning betta types, check out our article King Betta vs Giant Betta.

Giant Betta Behavior

Giant betta originates from fighting bettas, making them intensely territorial and aggressive with other giant betta fish. This behavior is more pronounced in males, but females may show these characteristics.

Territorialism and solitary behavior of giant betta fish

Bettas are known to be territorial and aggressive; this behavior gives them the popular name "fighting fish". Giant betta males are solitary fish, choosing a space to live alone and avidly defending their territory from the threat of other males.

Female giant bettas can also be aggressive. But you can keep them in small groups in a spacious tank; this tank type is called a sorority female betta tank.

Interaction with the environment

Despite being territorial, giant betta are curious fish, always exploring and interacting with their environment. These bettas like to watch inside and outside the tank, actively investigating the plants, decorations, hiding places, and inhabitants.

Visual and social recognition: interaction with the caregiver

Recent studies show that bettas can recognize their owners. They can even interact with their caregiver, coming close to the glass when the tutor approaches.

Curious fish, like the giant betta, are predisposed to become bored and depressed more quickly than other species. In the case of giant bettas, they need continuous stimulation to stay happy and active.

Personality variation

Another giant betta characteristic in common with regular bettas is the wide personality variation between individuals. Each giant betta fish has a unique personality.

Despite being very territorial, some can be incredibly docile. Always observe your giant betta fish to understand their preferences and provide an environment that meets their needs; some are outgoing and bold, while others can be more reserved and cautious.

Behavioral differences between males and females giant betta fish

Giant betta behaviors vary significantly between males and females. This differentiation is because of the difference in instincts within reproductive roles.

Male giant betta are more territorial than females. Males establish and defend territories, especially during the breeding season or when caring for offspring. Additionally, males exhibit the behavior of building bubble nests during the breeding season.

Giant betta females tend to be less aggressive than males and do not show parental care. When keeping giant bettas, it is essential to consider the behavioral differences between males and females when setting up the aquarium. The differences between male and female giant betta are many, and you can learn all about it in Giant Female Betta vs Giant Male Betta.

Setting Up the Ideal Aquarium for Your Giant Betta

When setting up the perfect environment for these huge betta fish, in addition to aesthetic importance, we must provide a space that meets the biological and behavioral needs of the species. This means a big betta fish tank.

Every detail is essential, from the size of the aquarium to the quality of the water, tankmates, and the arrangement of decorations: everything in the aquarium plays a crucial role in the well-being of the Giant Betta.

Giant betta tank size

As the name implies, giant bettas are huge betta fish, so you need a large betta fish tank. As they are the largest betta fish in the world, the size of the aquarium is essential for the well-being of the giant betta fish.

To keep a single giant betta, use a big betta fish tank with a minimum capacity of 10 gallons. In the case of giant bettas in community aquariums, use a minimum of 20 gallons; the same volume can be used for a community aquarium of female giant bettas, adding 5 gallons for each female in excess.

The larger the size of the aquarium, the better. A giant betta tank size provides adequate space for the giant betta to swim and freely explore, allowing the giant betta fish to move around and not get bored quickly.

In addition to the ample space, larger aquariums maintain better water quality, leaving less room for deteriorating water quality or abrupt parameter fluctuations.

Limited spaces make the giant betta depressed, causing stress and poor water quality, which negatively affects the health and behavior of these huge betta fish.

Decoration and Substrate

While giant bettas don't need special decorations, these features can help the fish feel safe and stress-free in the tank. Giant betta are somewhat sedentary fish. They like to rest on plant leaves, decorations, under driftwood, or inside caves. At the same time, they are curious fish, actively exploring every bit of the tank.

Plants are a great addition to the tank, providing resting, hiding, and low-light spots. Live plants are better for the natural aesthetic look and for helping with water quality as they absorb nitrates. Artificial plants and decorations, such as "betta leaves", can be used without problems as long as they are suitable for aquarium use.

Rocks and driftwood are great for forming locations and hideouts. The idea is to utilize decorations with smooth and non-abrasive surfaces, minimizing the risk of accidents and lesions and protecting the sensitive fins of the fish.

The substrate is a feature of minor importance in the giant betta tank. If you choose to use it, gravel and sand are popular choices, as well as plant substrate.

Water parameters for giant betta: ideal conditions

Because breeders created the giant betta fish in captivity, these huge betta fish live in less extreme conditions than their wild relatives.

Keep the temperature between 77 and 86F. Always keep the temperature stable; this can be done with a thermostat heater and a thermometer to carry out the measurements.

About pH, giant betta prefers water close to neutral, ranging from 6.8 to 7.2. They are not very sensitive to hardness; keep them away from extremes, and they will be fine.

Water quality for giant betta fish

Maintaining water quality is vital. Tanks with accumulated organic matter or unwanted compounds such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate will cause problems for the fish. Perform partial changes weekly and frequent cleanings to keep everything under control.

It is essential to use a water test kit. Only with it, we will be able to check the correct parameters of the aquarium water. Take frequent measurements of parameters such as ammonia, pH, etc., to monitor fluctuations and problems before they occur. If needed, use conditioners like buffers and acidifiers to correct the parameters.

Filters and Circulation

A filtration system is essential to keep water with good quality. Its assembly and sizing must be precise; otherwise, the filtration will not be efficient.

Giant betta don't like strong flows. Use a low-flow filter. Strong flows can injure and stress the fish due to constant movement and suction.

There are several types of filters for giant betta. The most suitable are H.O.B. and sponge filters. These prevent the fish's fins from being injured by the water flow. Correctly sized and assembled the filter, following the manufacturer's instructions. The filter must be cleaned regularly, around once a month.

Adequate Lighting

It is a fact that proper lighting enhances the colors of these large betta fish. Knowing that these fish do not appreciate environments with a lot of light, lighting is a factor that influences the behavior and biological rhythm of the giant betta.

Soft and adjustable lighting is ideal, always avoiding bright lights. You can create shaded areas with the help of decorations or floating plants.

The duration of light, called the photoperiod, is vital for giant betta fish to have their light and dark time, or night/day cycles. Establishing a regular light cycle helps maintain the health and natural behavior of the fish.

Enrichment elements and animal welfare

Giant betta are intelligent fish that can become unhappy due to lack of stimulation. We can combat this problem using techniques and stimulating objects for the giant betta fish.

Introducing floating objects in the tank, changing decorations, and feeding at different times and places, among other things, stimulate the huge betta fish, making it stay active and happy. Enrichment helps reduce boredom and stress.

A tip is to use leaves and other botanicals in the water. Palm leaves, Malabar, and the famous catappa (almond leaves) are often used to enhance the colors and health of the fish. Bear in mind that these leaves release tannins and other substances that can dye and darken the water.

Observation and adjustments

As previously mentioned, each giant betta is unique, having its characteristics and behaviors. Only careful observation is vital to understanding the preferences and needs of the individual in question.

Constantly monitor its behavior, seeing that the fish is physically healthy, gets along with tank mates, feeds itself, and exhibits normal giant betta fish behaviors. If necessary, conduct water tests and gradually adjust the environment to suit giant betta needs.

Proper Nutrition for Giant Betta

Nutrition is one of the essential pillars in the well-being and health of living beings. Proper nutrition is vital for the giant betta's vitality. To understand the food habits and preferences of giant betta fish, we must delve a little into their biology and specific needs.

The digestive system of giant betta

Giant betta fish are 100% carnivorous, having a digestive system adapted to a diet based on small insects and larvae. The stomach is small and the intestine is short, specialized to digest animal protein.

This type of digestive system is common in carnivore fish, which means that giant bettas need to constantly feed on food that is small in size and rich in protein and nutrients.

Specific nutritional needs for giant betta fish

In aquariums, the diet of giant bettas should be rich in high-quality animal foods. These foods are responsible for the development of fish, cell repair, and metabolism maintenance.

Among specific dietary needs for giant bettas, apart from the already mentioned protein of animal origin, we have behavior and food frequency.

Feeding behavior of betta fish

The mouth facing the surface makes it clear that giant betta fish feed on the water's surface. The food to be made available must float or sink slowly.

Some huge betta fish also need stimulation to feed, hardly accepting static food. You can achieve this by choosing feeds that move when in contact with water or live feeds.

Due to the small size of its stomach, we must offer small-sized foods. A good guide is to use pellets or cut the foods in a size close to the inside of the fish's eye. The food size is an essential topic, as large foods cause digestive problems in fish.

Giant betta has a great tendency to digestive problems such as bloating and constipation. A correct diet and the offer of crustaceans such as brine shrimp and daphnia help to introduce elements that combat these problems.

Feeding frequency in giant betta fish

Breeders and hobbyists report that giant bettas, especially when young, exhibit a large appetite, which is why they need to feed more frequently than common bettas. Feed the fish until they are satiated.

Giant betta have a voracious appetite, being hungry quickly after feeding, so provide constant feeding. Because of this large appetite, giant bettas are notorious for rapidly degrading water quality.

Diet for giant betta fish

As much as a commercial food label contains everything your betta needs to grow and develop healthily, varying the diet is ideal.

Use at least two specific food labels for betta daily use. These feeds offer all the necessary nutrients for the betta and contain elements that help with the color and maintenance of the fish's immune system. Use these foods alternately, in the smallest amount, and as often as possible during the day.

Varying the diet for giant betta fish

In addition to commercial dry food, live and frozen foods are vital for the giant betta diet. Regularly offer live, fresh, and frozen foods like earthworms, bloodworms, nauplii, tubifex, and whatever else you can find in pet stores.

A varied diet covers possible nutritional deficiencies, leaving the fish in the best possible health. Use live foods of known origin, avoiding contamination and disease.

Temperature and its influence on the feeding of the giant betta

Giant betta adapt their body temperature according to the water temperature, so temperature affects digestion. Like fish from tropical waters, this fish's organism works at high temperatures (68 to 77F).

Temperatures below this will slow down digestion and cause problems such as constipation. Temperatures above the recommended level will considerably increase the fish's metabolism, exposing its body to stress and shortening its lifespan.

Observation during the feeding of the giant betta

The best time to look closely at fish is during feeding. This way we can determine the appropriate amount of food to offer and see if the giant betta fish is eating and behaving normally. Healthy fish swim gracefully and eat normally, while fish with digestive issues may appear lethargic or have trouble swimming.

 

Health and Common Diseases in Giant Betta

Ensuring the health and well-being of the giant betta fish is the owner's responsibility. Keeping the aquarium always sanitized and clean, with water within ideal parameters for the fish, prevents diseases.

Even keeping everything in order, some problems, such as an equipment defect or an inadequate diet, can lower the immune system of giant bettas, causing diseases to appear. Identifying and treating them quickly is the best way to ensure few problems and effective treatment.

Disease prevention and identification

Prevention and early identification of diseases is the key to maintaining the health of your giant betta. Keeping tank maintenance up to date is essential. The constant observation of the fish will make it possible to notice changes in behavior, loss of appetite, changes in color, or abnormal spots that may indicate health problems.

Maintaining water quality

Water quality is the main factor in the health of big bettas. In addition to well-dimensioned filtration, periodic maintenance is necessary.

This maintenance involves changing the water, removing surface dirt, and siphoning the substrate weekly. Water exchange is responsible for removing unwanted compounds such as ammonia and nitrite, as well as replacing the necessary salts to keep the pH stable. Ideally, we should change at least 50% of the water.

Along with the water change, we must clean the glass of algae, remove food, debris, and plant remains, and siphon the substrate. Siphoning will remove pieces of dirt that are trapped or buried.

Monthly we must proceed with a deep cleaning, cleaning the filters, decorations, etc. Never use any type of chemical product or water without anti-chlorine to clean it.

Replacement water must be conditioned using specific aquarium water conditioners. These products remove substances such as chlorine, fluorine, etc., which are harmful to the tank and the fish.

The make-up water parameters must also be measured and equalized with those of the aquarium. Water always in good condition is essential to prevent diseases and promote general well-being.

Stress

Stress knocks down the mechanisms that fish have to fight against diseases that surround them. A fish suffering from some kind of stress, be it water quality or inconsistent tankmates, sooner or later will suffer from some disease or illness.

Avoid sudden movements near the aquarium, and maintain a thriving and clean environment with harmonious inhabitants. Provide hiding places and spaces where the fish can rest, explore, hide, and feel safe. A peaceful, stress-free environment promotes your fish's emotional health.

Common Symptoms of Health Problems

As much as there are many diseases with specific symptoms, giant bettas exhibit a certain noticeable behavior when they are sick. Loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal swelling, irregular swimming, shriveled or gnawed fins, unusual spots, color changes, or rapid breathing are the first symptoms to appear.

Early detection of these symptoms allows you to take immediate steps to correctly diagnose the condition and treat the fish quickly.

Common diseases in giant bettas

Bettas are hardy handsome fish. Potential digestive problems aside, giant bettas have the same problems as their regular betta cousins.

All diseases that affect giant bettas have their cause in the quality of the aquarium is below ideal. Fin rot, ich, popeye, and dropsy top the list of most common ailments.

The best treatment is to stabilize the parameters of the aquarium with constant water changes and maintenance, then consult a specialist to find out if you should start with medications.

In case of persistent illnesses or health problems, it is highly recommended to seek advice from a veterinarian or other specialist specializing in ornamental fish. These professionals have extensive experience in aquarism and can quickly diagnose and treat health problems effectively.

Giant Betta Reproduction

Giant Bettas breed in the same way as regular bettas and should be handled in the same way.

Breeding giant bettas require an aquarium of its own, called a breeding tank among hobbyists. The breeding tank must have around 8 gallons, be properly cycled, with good quality water, and with stabilized parameters.

Start by conditioning the parents-to-be. This means keeping them in high-quality water and feeding them a varied diet, preferably rich in live foods. Introduce the fish into the breeding tank, with a divider separating males and females. Use a divider where the fish can see each other and interact with each other.

Giant betta fish mating and rituals

When the male builds his bubble nest on the surface, and the female shows dark vertical stripes on her body, it means they are ready to breed, and it's time to remove the partition in the breeding tank. At that moment we completely cut off the supply of food to the fish.

If all goes well, the male will promptly begin courting the female, displaying his colors and fins and swimming around her. This ritual can take from 2 to more than 10 hours, and not necessarily the female accepts the male or vice versa.

Once the couple is accepted, the male will lead the female to the bubble nest, where they will intertwine in a nuptial embrace, and the female will release the eggs freely into the water column, being promptly fertilized by the male who will catch them with his mouth, putting them in the bubble nest.

Throughout the ritual, we must carefully monitor and separate the couple at the first sign of non-acceptance or serious aggression.

Caring for eggs and giant betta fry

When the breeding ritual is over, remove the female from the tank. Otherwise, the male may attack her non-stop. Males exhibit parental care, meaning that they care for and protect the eggs by chasing away enemies, ventilating the bubble nest, and pulling out moldy or unfertilized eggs.

Young parents may need some experience before they are successful in caring for fry. The male will continue to care for the eggs until they hatch (around three days) and the fry is ready to swim free.

Separating the fry

Once you notice that the fry is swimming freely, it is time to remove the male from the breeding tank or move fry to a growth tank (a smaller breeding tank), ensuring they have access to good quality water, adequate food, and space to grow free of predators.

After they are free swimmers, you can feed the giant betta fish fry. Offer appropriately sized live foods such as infusoria and microworms. There are also specific commercial foods for this purpose. Feed them at least two times a day and avoid overeating; fry are prone to intestinal disease just as adult giant betta fish.

The ideal way to care for giant betta fry is to keep them in an aquarium with a large volume of water. Use a tank with at least 2 gallons. Remember that the greater the water volume, the better the quality. Regular maintenance is just as vital in the fry aquarium as in adult fish. Perform large water changes (50 to 70%) weekly, siphoning the substrate and cleaning the glass of algae.

Selection of giant betta breeding pairs

It all starts with the selection of breeders. Always choose healthy fish. When selecting the breeding pair, the ideal is to choose a giant betta with the wanted characteristics, with well-developed and marked patterns.

Knowing the origin of the fish is essential. Ensure to know where and how the fish was cared for, in addition to offering the same breeding parameters as the breeder, know exactly, in terms of quality, what the final result of the offspring will be.

Fish from trusted breeders with established bloodlines is the only way to get a consistent size and color litter. This is because of genetics. Not all breeders are concerned with obtaining offspring where all fish are the same, with well-established genetics, which leads to fish with different sizes, colors out of schedule, and other problems.

The careful selection is essential to obtain healthy offspring with characteristics superior to those of the parents. Never choose to breed fish that may have genetic predispositions to disease or deformities or that are otherwise unhealthy.

Tips for selecting giant betta breeding pair

When selecting our giant betta breeding pair, size is not always the only characteristic to observe. When selecting females, in addition to size, look carefully at the colors and choose the ones that are the most colorful and bright. The color of the female is crucial to the color of the fry.

When selecting the male, the best tip is to choose one that has a larger size than the female. Males similar in size to females do not always have good results in the reproductive process, such as difficulty in fertilizing the eggs or the male suffering aggression from the female.

Proportion is a vital feature. Choose aesthetically pleasing males, with everything in harmony and well-proportioned. The same goes for selecting females.

The offspring will have the characteristics the parents pass on, so choosing the best fish is essential.

Suitable Tankmates for Giant Bettas

When choosing to keep betta giants in community tanks, it is essential to choose the right tankmates to create a harmonious and stress-free environment.

Although it is best to keep giant bettas alone in the aquarium, some fish can coexist peacefully.

Corydoras

Corydoras are peaceful fish that inhabit the bottom of the aquarium and will not compete for territory with the giant betta. They are small fish and should be kept in groups of at least six individuals.

Mystery snail

Mysterious snails are an excellent addition to a giant betta's aquarium. In addition to keeping the aquarium free of algae, it poses no threat to the betta fish. Bettas eat smaller snails when choosing snails, and choose larger species.

Tetras and rasboras

These school fish are great choices because of their social and peaceful behavior, and being in a school and not bothering or competing with the giant betta. You just have to be careful when feeding, as these small fish can be frantic and inhibit the feeding of the giant betta.

Some tetras are known fin nippers and should be watched closely when in a community tank with giant long-finned betta fish.

Tankmates to Avoid

Guppies

They may not always be a good choice, their bright colors can be mistaken by bettas as other male bettas, causing attacks and aggression.

Aggressive or large fish

Most cichlids are aggressive, large fish that feed on other fish. The fish may suffer aggression or be seen as a snack by these fish. Some examples are cichlids, angelfish, red-tail sharks, etc.

Among aggressive fish, we find schooling fish such as tiger barbs to large fish such as knifefish.

Fish that live in extreme conditions

Fish that live near the extreme ranges of parameters like pH and hardness are poor tankmates for giant bettas. Bettas inhabit waters close to neutrality. Among these fish, we find tropical fish that live in acidic and soft waters such as killifish, and fish that live in very alkaline waters, such as African cichlids.

Giant Betta Fish FAQ

What is the maximum size of a giant betta?

The maximum size of a giant betta ranges from 5 to 7 inches.

Can I keep giant betta with other fish in a community tank?

Yes, even if it is far from ideal, it is possible to keep the giant betta with other fish in a common tank. Giant bettas can be less peaceful than regular bettas, so it's best to keep them alone due to their aggressive and territorial nature.

What is the ideal diet for a giant betta?

The ideal diet for giant betta offers a varied diet, with quality betta feed, live food such as mosquito larvae and brine shrimp, and fresh and frozen food such as bloodworm, ensuring balanced nutrition.

What is the ideal temperature for a giant betta tank?

The ideal temperature for a giant betta's aquarium ranges between 77 and 86F. Colder or warmer water than this could cause problems.

How can I identify if the giant betta is sick?

To identify if the giant betta is sick, observe the behavior of the fish. Look for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, loss of color, body spots, gnawed fins, erratic swimming, and closed fins.

How long does it take for giant betta eggs to hatch into fry?

The time it takes for giant betta eggs to develop into fry is 24 to 36 hours. The time depends on environmental factors such as temperature.

Do giant bettas require specific care during breeding?

Yes, giant betta requires specific care during reproduction. Ideally, breeding should be carried out in a separate breeding tank, with controlled temperature and water quality, and the parents should be monitored during the process.