The Crown Betta Fish is an absolutely stunning freshwater fish that attracts many aquarists. With their beautiful colors and flowing fins, they are so much fun to watch!
But if you’re interested in owning one, they come with their own set of challenges that you’ll need to be prepared for.
This guide will teach you all about caring for the Crown betta fish, also known as the Crowntail Betta, with some additional helpful facts and tips to help make your job easier!
Species Summary
Hailing from shallow rivers and rice paddies throughout Southeast Asia, the Crown Betta Fish is one of the most popular pet fish species in the world. It is available at most pet stores. Thanks to the wide variety of colors available, they are a favorite among collectors and aquarists of all levels.
There are many types of «Siamese fighting fish» out there. However, the Crowntail Betta is the most prevalent. As a result, many people refer to them simply as «Bettas.» You may also see them marketed under the larger scientific name of the Betta species, Betta splendens.
Whatever you call them, there is no denying that these fish are true beauties! They do, however, have a certain reputation for being aggressive. For this reason, it can be challenging to care for them if you don’t know what to expect.
Appearance
Crowtail Bettas are similar in shape to typical betta fish. The body is slim and long. It has a fairly uniform shape, tapering to a point in the mouth. Bettas have a supra-terminal mouth, which means it is upside down and hinged.
Just behind the head is the gill plate. The gills are usually smooth and flat against the body. But whenever the fish gets angry or territorial, don’t be surprised if you see those gills swell up! Fish do this to make themselves look bigger and more intimidating.
Of course, the most defining characteristics of Crowntail Bettas are their fins. Males have an expansive caudal fin that can be three times the size of the body. It fans out, apparently connecting with the anal and dorsal fins.
The anal fin is quite wide compared to other fish of this size, which creates even more drama. The dorsal fin is not as wide. But it is just as beautiful. Usually the dorsal fins are placed further to the rear to increase the mass of the caudal fin.
Author’s Note: So what makes the Crown Betta Fish different from other varieties? It all comes down to the web between the fin rays. Crowtails have reduced webbing, resulting in a noticeable gap between each fin.
The fins look pointed or crown-shaped, leading to their colorful nickname.
As always, the male Crown Betta Fish have long, flowing fins. The fins of the females are significantly shorter. But, they still have some length and that distinctive spiked look.
Color-wise, there is a lot of variety with the Corona Betta fish. Most feature a wide and vibrant spectrum, making them some of the most colorful fish around. You may see fish with hints of neon blues, vibrant reds, and deep purples. Subtle shades of green and some metallic highlights are also standard.
Crown Betta Fish Life Expectancy
The typical lifespan of the Crown Betta Fish is only two or three years. These are not the longest living fish on the market.
As always, there are no guarantees when it comes to shelf life. They may live a little longer with proper care or die prematurely due to illness or stress. The quality of care you provide is very important, so make sure you are vigilant and dedicated if you want your fish to live as long as possible.
Average size
The average size of a Crowntail betta is about 2.5 inches from snout to tip of tail. Some can be up to 3 inches long, but such cases are rare.
Author’s Note: Most of this length comes from their long, flowing fins. The body of the fish is relatively small. For this reason, females generally appear smaller than males even if their bodies are the same size.
Crowntail Betta Care
Crown Betta Fish care can be an exciting challenge. These fish have a reputation for being feisty, which can make the process difficult for newcomers and inexperienced owners.
Like any fish, the key is to learn as much as you can about its requirements. Once you understand its basic needs, the Crowntail Betta can thrive. That’s true even with novice aquarists!
Here are some essential care guidelines that you will need to follow.
tank size
Let’s talk about one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to Crown Betta Fish care. This species needs much more than a simple bowl or vase!
Many inexperienced owners think that these fish can survive in a container without a filter because they are often sold in small containers at big box stores.
True, they do not need a huge tank. Bettas are native to the shallow paddy fields of Thailand, after all! However, you still need to provide ample space for the fish to swim and exercise.
At the very least, keep these fish in a 10 gallon tank with all the standard equipment. You may see success in an aquarium smaller than 5 gallons, but more space is always better. This is especially true if you plan to keep the fish with others.
Author’s Note: When choosing a tank, try to opt for a shallower model. Despite the enormous size of its fins, deep diving is not its forte. They prefer shallower tanks that are longer and more spacious.
water parameters
Like any other species of fish, the key to keeping a Crowntail Betta happy and healthy is to mimic its natural habitat.
Now this particular variant was born around 1997. However, they are direct descendants of the wild “Siamese fighting fish”. As a result, they prefer the same conditions.
Those fish come from the warm, shallow waters of Southeast Asia. Their houses are overgrown and slightly cloudy, which affects the pH level. Stick to these parameters and your fish should be fine!
- Water temperature: 76°F to 80°F (around 80 degrees is ideal)
- pH levels: 6.4 to 7.0 (stay close to neutral)
- Water hardness: 2 to 5 dKH
Author’s Note: As always, purchasing one of the best aquarium test kits is a must when it comes to raising fish. This will allow you to quickly and accurately monitor the status of the tank so you can make adjustments when necessary.
What to put inside your tank
As for the decoration, you have to be very careful with the Crown Betta Fish. The fins of this species are very delicate and prone to damage.
Stay away from any decorative items with sharp edges or rough surfaces. Keep all items smooth, rounded and secure.
Start decorating with a simple substrate of gravel or fine sand. You can even keep the bottom of the aquarium bare if you wish. Crowntail Betta fish have no preferences.
Next, add spaces to hide. You can use caves and artificial plants to provide security. Floating plants are beneficial as they help shield light and create a nesting surface.
Don’t overcrowd the tank. Make sure there are plenty of places for your fish to come to the surface. Crowtail bettas are labyrinthine fish, which means they drink air from the surface.
Keep the lighting low and add all the necessary equipment. They need strong filtration and adequate oxygenation.
Author’s Note: You may also consider adding Indian almond leaves. The leaves add natural tannins to the water, which is something these fish appreciate.
Possible common diseases
Crowtail bettas are susceptible to all of the usual health problems that plague freshwater fish. They can suffer from parasitic infections, bacterial infections and fungal problems.
If they are stressed or exposed to a sick fish, they can also suffer from Ich. Ich is a highly contagious disease that creates white patches all over the body. It’s a dangerous condition, but it’s also highly treatable with over-the-counter medications.
Corona Betta fish are also prone to fin rot. This is a unique infection that causes the fins to slowly decay. You may see the tips of the fins turn gray before shedding completely. This ailment can also be treated with proper medication.
Finally, Crowntail Bettas have been known to suffer from constipation from time to time. You may notice that your fish is constipated if their bellies swell and become lethargic. Constipation usually resolves with a light fast for a couple of days.
Food and Diet
Providing a proper diet is one of the most important parts of caring for your Crown Betta Fish, but it’s not always easy. These fish can be a bit picky about their food! On top of that, they have small stomachs that can fill up quickly. With its healthy appetite, this species is at high risk for constipation and overeating.
To avoid potential health problems, feed your fish two to three times a day. Provide small meals with enough food to last two minutes.
Author’s Note: If there is still food floating in the tank after two minutes, clean it to avoid excessive swelling.
So what kind of food will they eat? These fish prefer protein-based foods over anything else. Foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae are always favorites. You can provide both live and frozen foods.
Dry pellets are also good. However, you may need to mix things up from time to time to keep the fish excited about the meals. A little variety goes a long way!
behavior and temperament
Crowntail Bettas are bullies. There is no denying that fact!
These fish are born fighters. They will tear, bite and push any fish that gets in their way. Highly territorial, crowtail bettas dislike it when other fish are around.
They have even more hatred towards fish that are roughly the same size as them. You will see these fish flare their fins in an attempt to intimidate. Before you know it, they will start punching and biting until their perceived enemies are dead.
They will fight their own kind and any other fish unlucky enough to cross their path. Sometimes men and women can get along. But even then, there are always risks.
tank mates
With their penchant for aggression, the Crown Betta is not exactly a big community fish.
Most aquarists keep these fish alone to avoid any aggression. However, there are some suitable tank mate options if you want to have an animated tank.
Some tankmates to try include:
- Neon Tetras and similar tetra types
- african dwarf frogs
- Ghost Shrimp
- cherry shrimp
- fast moving guppies
If you notice any aggression when introducing the fish, abort the experiment and house them separately. Some Crowntail Bettas just need to be left alone!
Author’s Note: Only try to provide tank mates if you have a large tank. Don’t overcrowd the aquarium. Your Crown Betta Fish will need plenty of room to ignore others in the tank.
Breeding
Breeding Crowtail Bettas is possible, but you need to have a spacious tank to see success. A small aquarium is not conducive to the unique spawning process.
Bettas are bubble nesters. After conditioning the fish with protein-rich food, the males will make bubbles that float to the top. They create small groups of bubbles on the surface. It is usually near the corners of the tank or under floating plants.
If the female is receptive to the offspring, the fish will perform its mating ritual. As she releases her eggs into the water, the male fertilizes them. The pair will then pick them up and move them to the bubble nest for protection.
The eggs will hatch in about two days. At that time, the baby fish will survive in the egg sac until they are free swimming. Then you can move on to powdered foods or infusoria.
It goes without saying that it is vital to remove the adult fish before the eggs hatch. Otherwise, the babies will turn into meals very quickly.
conclusion
If you know how to manage their aggression and maintain a healthy tank, the Crown Betta Fish is nothing to fear. While these fish have a bit of a reputation, owning some shouldn’t be a challenge if you’re prepared.
As long as you follow the recommendations in this guide, we are confident that your Crowntail Betta will have a long and happy life.
