Female & Male Elephant Ear Betta: What Sets Them Apart

Table of Content

When it comes to distinguishing the difference between female elephant ear betta and male elephant ear betta, you may expect a striking difference in their appearance, but the reality is a little subtler. Elephant Ear Bettas have striking gender disparities that require an expert eye to identify. In this article, we will discuss the main characteristics to make it simpler for new and seasoned enthusiasts to recognize these endearing aquatic creatures.

Size Matters

The size difference between female dumbo betta and male dumbo betta is the most apparent. Even though it can be challenging to recognize the size difference, it becomes clear with closer inspection.

Female dumbo elephant ear betta is smaller than elephant ear betta male counterparts, with roughly ¼ of an inch difference. Despite not being a striking contrast, this size difference is a valid indicator for people familiar with the breed.

Vibrancy and colours

Other distinguishing characteristics are the colour and general aesthetic appeal of male and female elephant ear bettas. The elephant ear betta male frequently steals the show than female because of their vivid colours and flashy fins. The female often displays less vibrant and brilliant colours than their male counterparts.

Elephant ear male betta are noted for their vivid, iridescent blue, red, and purple colors, which are often mesmerizing. On the other hand, Female elephant ear betta has muted tones and less flashy and striking colours. Usually, their fins are not as ornamented as those of males.

Can Male and Female elephant ear betta live together?

It may seem tempting when housing male dumbo betta and female dumbo betta together to establish a peaceful, coexisting aquatic ecosystem. After all, some species have both genders in one tank for reproduction. But elephant ear betta gives a challenging twist to this idea.

Elephant ear betta male have an aggressive nature, especially toward other fish. If they come into contact, they may become violent and even lethal. It is generally not recommended to keep Betta fish together because of their hostility toward females. Combining them can result in harm or, worse, fatality. If you want to keep them in the same tank, keep them in a larger tank and add the hiding places. You might even use a divider to keep them apart.  

Short-term

Betta fish males and females may occasionally need to be housed together for tank cleaning or maintenance for a short time. In these situations, it's essential to keep their interactions under close observation and keep their time together for a few hours. It is best to separate the fish immediately if you notice any aggressive behaviour.

Long-term

Male dumbo betta and female dumbo betta fish can live together for an extended time, but it requires careful planning and proper conditions.

You should increase the tank's capacity by at least 5 gallons for each extra Betta you intend to introduce. For instance, a 20-gallon tank is suggested to raise two Betta fish. Even if you believe your goal is to breed these two sexes together and that they would get along, the mating procedure would require careful introduction and timing.

During the breeding, the female dumbo elephant ear betta needs a peaceful environment to lay the eggs. The aggression of male dumbo betta can make them stressed, and females may not lay eggs.

How to Introduce male bettas and female bettas together

For the breeding, when you transfer the dumbo ear betta female into the tank, an interested elephant ear betta male will start building a bubble nest at the surface of the tank or bowl. This sign indicates that males will not harm the female species. The female dumbo betta will check the bubble nest. Female dumbo elephant ear betta can destroy the bubble nest if they are not interested in breeding.

When that happens, it's best to take the fish out and try again later. If the female dumbo elephant ear betta chooses to demolish the bubble nest again, the male dumbo betta will have the option to rebuild it, but they cannot mate if they do so.

Staying close to the nest without damaging it will signify that a dumbo ear betta female accepts the opportunity to mate. The elephant ear betta male will swim around her then, occasionally pursuing her around the tank.

These bettas' colours and fin flares frequently become more vibrant during this mating stage. Avoid waking or feeding them during this phase, which could last up to three hours. To prevent any injuries, be present during the process to take swift action if either of the two becomes exceptionally aggressive.

The actual mating will occur when the male dumbo betta embraces the female dumbo betta as she is turned over. The male betta gathers the eggs as they are released and deposits them within the bubble nest. The entire operation can range from a few minutes to several hours.

After mating, removing the female elephant ear betta from the breeding tank is crucial since it's likely that the male dumbo betta fish would act aggressively and assert his territorial authority once more. For more insights check out another dumbo blog post here. Interlink the blog.

Conclusion

Awareness of these differences is essential for Betta enthusiasts since it helps them appreciate these fascinating aquatic animals more and helps them set up their tanks and provide correct care. Aquarists may make their tanks the perfect setting for these stunning fish to flourish by understanding the tiny differences between male and female elephant ear betta.

Due to the aggressive and territorial character of betta fish, both sexes in a tiny tank can lead to disaster, injury, or even the death of your fish. Ensure the tank is large enough if you're on a tight budget, then decide to keep them in one tank but with the proper conditions. Visit our dumbo collection page and get your hands on your favourite dumbo at affordable prices. https://thailandbettafish.com/collections/dumbo.

FAQs

Does male dumbo betta fish change the colour?

Can we bring in two male bettas in one tank?

No, you cannot bring the two male bettas in one tank due to their aggressive behaviour. Only one male can be kept in an aquarium.

What is the gestation period of the female dumbo betta?

Female dumbo betta takes one to two weeks for their gestation period.