Betta fish are among the most popular fish in the freshwater aquarium industry. The main reason is the wide variety of available colors and tail types. One of the most loved tail types is the halfmoon betta fish.
Halfmoon bettas have larger fins than most other tail types, making them more elegant. There are even different types of halfmoon bettas to choose from.
Hobbyists can learn more about halfmoon bettas below to see if they are right for their aquarium.
Here’s What Half-Moon Betta Fish Look Like
The half-moon betta fish is a type of Betta splendens with a tail fin shaped like a half-moon. It spans 180 degrees, like a semi-circle when the fish flares.
Like other Betta splendens, half-moon betta fish come in bright colors. The most common are hues of red, blue, green, yellow, etc. White half-moon bettas are particularly desirable because they are not common.
Male VS Female Half-Moon Betta
The primary difference between males and females is the shape and size of the fins. The females’ tail fins still come in a half-moon shape, though they are smaller and shorter. The rest of the females’ fins are shorter as well.
Males are also more colorful than females. While females come in the same colors as males, they are usually duller.
Other ways to tell males and females apart also apply to other types of bettas. For example, males have large beards that are visible even when they’re not flaring. Conversely, the females’ beards are only visible when they flare.
Types Of Halfmoon Bettas
Not all halfmoon bettas look the same. Some hobbyists look for specific color or tail characteristics when choosing their halfmoon. Some of the most popular types of halfmoons are below.
Over Halfmoon Betta
The over halfmoon betta has a tail that spans slightly more than 180 degrees. The extra bit of tail gives the fish a fuller and sleeker look.
Dumbo Halfmoon Betta
The dumbo halfmoon betta has large pectoral fins that are as flowy as their tail fins.
They get their name because the pectoral fins are large and resembles Disney’s Dumbo. Dumbo was an elephant born with enormous ears.
Their tail fins, of course, are half-moon shaped, spanning 180 degrees.
Double Tail Halfmoon Betta
Double tail halfmoon bettas have two separate tail fins rather than one. Together, the two tails span 180 degrees when the fish flares.
“Regular” double tails do not span a full 180 degrees, making them less full.
Rosetail Halfmoon Betta
Rosetail halfmoon bettas have ruffles throughout their tails that resemble rose petals. The texture of the tail is the only different thing; the shape is the same as other halfmoons.
King Halfmoon Betta
King halfmoon bettas have the short, stocky fins characteristic of plakat bettas. Their shorter fins still span a full 180 degrees when the fish flares.
Solid Halfmoon Betta
As the name suggests, these fish are only a single color throughout their body and fins. The most common colors are red and blue.
Bi-Color Halfmoon Betta
These fish have two colors across their bodies and fins, usually red and blue.
Dragonscale Halfmoon Betta
Dragonscale bettas differ from others because of a special gene. That gene causes a white sheen over the bettas’ bodies.
The base color of their bodies is darker, typically blue or red. The sheen over the scales gives the betta a metallic-like look.
Marble Halfmoon Betta
These bettas have a special “marbling” gene that causes them to change color.
They usually have splotches of various colors over their body and fins. Those splotches can change size, shape, location, and color as they age.
Koi Halfmoon Betta
These fish are similar to marble bettas. They have irregular splotches of color over their bodies and fins.
Koi bettas get their name because their colors are normally seen on koi fish: orange, black, gray, and white.
How To Care For Half-Moon Bettas
The halfmoon betta is like all other Betta splendens and needs the same care. Check out our comprehensive betta fish care guide to learn how to care for them.
In short, betta fish need more care than most people realize. They are one of the best fish for beginners; they still need specific things to remain happy.
Every betta needs at least five gallons of water, a filter, a heater, and some decorations to be happy.
Nutrition
Besides that, betta fish must eat nutritional foods to stay healthy and live long. Bettas are carnivores that need a diet high in protein. Buy fish food specifically designed for bettas to meet their nutritional needs.
Tank Mates
Consider which fish can safely live with bettas before setting up a community tank. While bettas can’t live with each other, they can live with other species. Stick with peaceful, dull fish with short fins to be safe.
A Quick Guide To Half-Moon Betta Fish Care
| Temperature | 75-81°F (23.9-27.2°C) |
| Water Parameters |
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| Minimum Tank Size | 5 gallons |
| Diet | Protein-rich foods, including:
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| Compatible Tank Mates |
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FAQs
Are Halfmoon Bettas More Prone To Certain Diseases?
Halfmoon bettas do not seem to be more prone to certain diseases than other Betta splendens.
It’s possible they are more susceptible to fin rot than some tail types due to the size of their fins. Betta fins are delicate and rip easily due to sharp decorations and nippy tank mates.
Other bettas with large fins are similarly more susceptible to fin rot. Some examples are dumbo and rosetail bettas.
Can Halfmoon Bettas Change Color?
Halfmoon bettas may change color during different times of their lives.
Stressed or sick bettas lose some of their color, becoming more dull.
Those that are ready to breed become more vibrantly colorful.
Halfmoon bettas can also have the “marble” gene. The marble gene causes them to change color randomly throughout their lives. A fish may have certain colors one day and look completely different a month later.
Are Halfmoon Bettas Rare?
Halfmoon bettas are less common than other varieties, though they aren’t rare. Most pet stores carry these bettas, usually costing between $10 and $20.
