Female Roundtail Fancy Betta

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Betta splendens
• Common Names: Female Roundtail Fancy Betta, Fancy Betta
• Family: Osphronemidae
• Origin: Native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand and Cambodia.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Female Roundtail Fancy Bettas come in a variety of vibrant colors, including red, blue, green, purple, and combinations thereof. They may exhibit patterns such as solid, bi-color, or marbled, making each fish unique.
• Body Shape: These females have a slender, elongated body, typical of Betta species, with a slightly rounded belly.
• Fins:
  • Roundtail: The defining feature of the Roundtail variety is its tail shape, which is rounded at the end. This fin structure gives them a softer appearance compared to the sharp-edged tails of other Betta varieties.
  • Fancy Variations: Some may have longer dorsal and anal fins that can add to their elegance, while still maintaining a rounded tail.
• Size: Female Bettas generally grow to about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length.

Behavior

• Temperament: Female Roundtail Bettas are usually less aggressive than males, but they can still exhibit territorial behavior, especially in smaller tanks. It’s important to monitor their interactions with other fish.
• Social Structure: Females can be kept in groups (sororities), but it’s crucial to provide adequate space and hiding spots to minimize aggression. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 5 females in a tank of at least 20 gallons.
• Activity Level: These fish are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their environment, displaying interesting behaviors and interactions with tank mates.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Betta fish inhabit shallow waters, rice paddies, and floodplains that provide cover and breeding opportunities.
• Aquarium Setup: A well-planted tank with hiding spots using plants, driftwood, or decorations is ideal. A minimum tank size of 5 gallons is recommended, but larger tanks are preferable for sororities.

Diet

• Feeding: Female Roundtail Fancy Bettas are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet. They accept high-quality Betta pellets, flakes, freeze-dried foods, and occasional live or frozen foods (such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia).
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Female Roundtail Fancy Bettas can breed with males that create bubble nests at the water's surface.
• Nesting: During breeding, the male will display courtship behaviors to attract the female. Once she is receptive, they will engage in a mating ritual.
• Fry Care: After spawning, the male will care for the eggs until they hatch (usually within 24 to 48 hours). After the fry become free-swimming, the male should be removed to prevent aggression towards them.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for a single female, with larger tanks being preferable for sororities.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter to maintain water quality. Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) are essential to keep the water clean and healthy.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Female Roundtail Fancy Bettas can be kept with other peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and snails. Avoid aggressive species and other male Bettas to prevent fighting.
• Behavior with Others: Monitor the tank for signs of aggression, especially when introducing new tank mates or keeping multiple females.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, female Roundtail Fancy Bettas can live for about 3 to 5 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• The unique combination of the roundtail structure and vibrant colors makes these Bettas highly sought after by aquarists.
• Female Bettas can also display interesting behaviors, such as flaring their fins and interacting with their environment.