Giant bettas are among the most popular wild bettas to keep as pets. The interesting thing about giant bettas is that, while they live in the wild, they didn’t start there. Giant bettas wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for selective breeding.
These massive bettas are famous for their large bodies, almost twice the size of other bettas. They are less colorful than Betta splendens. They are peaceful and easier to keep in community aquariums, making them desirable.
It’s easy for hobbyists to care for giant bettas as long as they know the basics of betta care. Giant bettas have most of the same needs as Betta splendens.
About The Giant Betta
- Origins: Southern Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Size: 3.5-7 in (8.9-17.8 cm)
- Aquarium Size: 10+ gallons
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Swimming Level: Middle to Top
- Water Temperature: 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
The giant betta is the largest betta fish in the world. It grows between 3.5-7 in (8.9-17.8 cm) long, several inches longer than most bettas.
Range & Habitat
These massive bettas come from Southern Kalimantan, Indonesia. They live in slow-moving rivers and swamps where the water is warm, acidic, and devoid of oxygen.
Giant bettas (Betta anabantoids) do not occur naturally in the wild. They came from selectively breeding bettas. The “giant” gene popped up in some offspring.
The “giant” gene was passed on from generation to generation. It eventually became so prevalent that it is now its own phenotype.
Phenotypes are observable characteristics, like hair or eye color. In the case of Betta anabantoids, the phenotype is a giant body.
Today, we recognize giant bettas as a species separate from all other bettas.
Behavior
Giant bettas are one of the more peaceful betta species. They do well in community tanks with fish of similar sizes and temperaments.
Remember that all bettas are territorial — it’s in their nature. Bettas may get along well with other fish species, only to attack another betta that comes close to it. Even Betta imbellis, the most peaceful betta species, has aggressive tendencies.
Don’t try to house more than one male giant betta in a tank — they should only live alone. Keep an eye on their behavior when keeping them in a community tank. Overly aggressive individuals should move to a separate tank.
We most often see aggression in giant bettas during breeding. The males are territorial over the females, their eggs, and their spawn. Male betta fish are famous for protecting their eggs and fry until they are big enough to swim on their own.
Appearance
Like other betta species, giant betta males are vibrantly colorful. They come in shades of blue, red, green, black, and white.
The females are also colorful, though their scales are typically duller.
The largest bettas can grow 5-7 in (12.7-17.8 cm) long. It’s more common for males to be between 3.5-4 in (8.9-10.2 cm) long. Females are slightly smaller, though not by much.
Giant bettas have the body shape of plakat bettas, with short fins. Their body shape more closely resembles that of wild bettas than Betta splendens.
Betta anabantoids VS Betta splendens
See how Betta anabantoids (giant bettas) compare to Betta splendens (domesticated bettas) below:
| Betta splendens | Betta anabantoids | |
| Size | 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) | 3.5-7 in (8.9-17.8 cm) |
| Appearance | Males have long fins (except for plakats) & are more colorful. | Large, plakat-shaped bodies. Less colorful. |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive | Semi-aggressive but more peaceful |
| Can Live In Pairs? | No | Yes |
| Tank Size | 5+ gallons | 10+ gallons |
| Health | More prone to fin-rot | More prone to illness |
Giant Betta Care
Giant bettas have similar care requirements to Betta splendens. Follow most of the instructions in our betta fish care guide to provide giant bettas with a good home.
Giant bettas have a few care needs that differ from Betta splendens. We’ve outlined these differences below. Knowing these differences ensures giant bettas get the best care.
Tank Size
The main difference between giant bettas and Betta splendens is how much space they need.
Betta splendens are small fish that can happily live in five gallons of water. Giant bettas can grow nearly twice the size of Betta splendens; they need much more space.
A single giant betta should have at least 10 gallons of space. For a pair, we recommend having 15 to 20 gallons.
We recommend having at least 20 gallons for a single giant betta that will live in a community tank. At least 30 gallons will be good for a pair of bettas living in a community tank.
Water Conditions & Temperature
Giant bettas and Betta splendens have similar temperature and water parameter needs. Use a safe filter and heater to maintain the following parameters:
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrites: 0 ppm
- Nitrates: <40 ppm
- pH: 5-6.5
- Water Temperature: 77-86
- General Hardness: 5-20 dGH
Remember that bettas need a filter and heater to live long, healthy lives. Don’t believe the sources that say bettas can live in a bowl without a filter or heater. Filters provide oxygen and clean the water, preventing their home from becoming toxic. Heaters keep the water temperature warm and stable.
Tank Mates
Giant bettas are mostly peaceful toward fish of other species. Keep them with peaceful fish of similar sizes. Avoid fish with large fins or bright colors; they may seem like a threat
Pairs Of Bettas
Unlike Betta splendens, giant bettas can sometimes live in pairs.
These bettas should only live in pairs with one male and one female. Don’t try to keep more than one male in the tank.
The only way for a pair to be successful is if the fish have ample space to move around. They need abundant hiding spaces to avoid each other when they want their space.
Feeding
Giant bettas need the same protein-rich foods as Betta splendens. The difference is that they need to eat more since their bodies are bigger.
We recommend feeding Betta splendens two to three pellets twice a day. It’s a good idea to double that number for giant bettas.
Provide giant bettas with four to six pellets once or twice daily.
While giant bettas need more food than other bettas, it’s easy to overfeed them. Ensure not to give them more than the recommended amounts. Overfeeding can lead to dangerous conditions. Constipation, swim bladder disorder, and lowered immunity are all common.
Health Concerns
Unfortunately, the giant bettas’ unnaturally large size leaves it more susceptible to illnesses.
These fish often have shorter lives than normally-sized bettas. Their lifespans can still reach two to five years, like other bettas. They are more likely to fall on the shorter end of that spectrum, even with perfect care.
Breeding
Unlike Betta splendens, giant bettas don’t build bubble nests — they are mouthbrooders. After the mother lays the eggs, she picks them up with her mouth and spits them into the father’s mouth. A male can carry 200 eggs in his mouth at a time.
The “Giant” Gene
To produce giant offspring, hobbyists must breed two giant betta parents. To understand why, we must know a little bit about genetics.
“Giant” genes display codominance in betta offspring. The “giant” gene is not dominant or recessive, which is why both parents must be giant bettas.
Codominance says the offspring’s phenotype will be a combination of the parents’. Remember that a phenotype is an observable characteristic.
In our case, the phenotype we’re describing is the size of the betta. Two regular-sized bettas will produce regular-sized betta fry. Two giant-sized bettas will produce giant-sized fry.
What about one giant betta and one regular-sized betta? They will produce slightly larger fry than a regular-sized betta.
FAQs
Are Giant Bettas The Same As King Bettas?
Though they look similar, giant and king bettas are different species. They are both hybrids of plakat bettas with short fins.
How Are Giant Bettas Different From King Bettas?
King bettas are a type of Betta splendens, meaning they are two different fish entirely.
King bettas don’t grow as large as giant bettas, only reaching up to 3 in (7.6 cm) long. King bettas are the second largest betta species.
Both species have aggressive tendencies. Giant bettas tend to be far more peaceful than Betta splendens.
Giant bettas are also more susceptible to illness and water parameter shifts. Their decreased hardiness is likely due to their less-than-ideal genetics.
Are Giant Bettas Suitable For Beginners?
Giant bettas aren’t the best option for beginners since they are less hardy and more prone to illness. Betta splendens tend to be hardier and may be a better option for beginners who are still learning.
Truly committed beginners may do okay. They will need to do a lot of research and be quick learners. Giant bettas aren’t far different from Betta splendens. They mostly need the same care; they’re simply more fragile.
How Fast Do Giant Bettas Grow?
Giant bettas grow at a faster rate than regular-sized bettas. They grow to nearly twice the size, though they reach their adult size at roughly the same time: two to three months.
How Much Do Giant Betta Fish Cost?
Individuals usually sell between $40 and $70, depending on their colors. Giant bettas are far less common than Betta splendens, meaning they tend to cost more. Rarer colors cost more.
