The delta tail betta fish is a fish originating from Asia. They are easy to find in Thailand, Japan, and some other South East Asia countries. Other names of these fish are Japanese fighting fish or Siamese fish. This fish is a good option to pet because it improves the aesthetic of your place.

The fish is getting popular because the markets sell this fish at a very competitive price. The delta tail is one of the betta types available which has a colorful and unique pattern on its body. It is distinctive and caring about this betta variety is not difficult. They live well in an adjustable tank environment.

Before getting one for the tank in your place, you should know how to differentiate this fish from other betta fish.

There are some guidelines to care for them properly and breed them once they are mature. Here is further information you should know about this fish.

What is Delta Tail Betta Fish?

The fish in the category of delta tail betta is popular because of the shape of its tail. The fish is quite difficult to take care of, but it doesn’t mean this fish is not as good as a pet. The fish has a long lifespan about more than five years, and they will beautify the tank in your house.

Native & Origin

The delta tail betta is a fish from Thailand, and people know it as siamese fighting fish. Even so, you will be able to find them at the fish market worldwide. The fish lives in a freshwater and clean environment. It will not be a problem for them to live if you can adjust the tank.

Living habitat

It’s important to understand their living habitat since they live in the wild better. You have to adjust the tank environment by replicating the wild freshwater environment. The fish live well in the water that has a slow stream because they can swim and feel that the environment is lively.

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Delta tail betta fish size

The size of the delta tail betta fish is small. The biggest one is only about 5-8 cm in total. They are small fish and they do not get bigger after adulthood. Some factors will bring impact its size such as tank environment, feeding, and mates.

Delta Tail Betta Colors

1. Metallic colors

You will see that some delta tail betta fish have metallic colors. The whole population has different colors, but the metallic ones are the most unique. This fish has chromatophores and they will reflect under the light. Usually, the metallic colors will look like gold or platinum.

2. Piebald colors

Another type of delta tail betta fish color is the piebald color. This color is solid. There is only one color on the fish’s body and it’s bold. The pattern doesn’t dominate the body of the fish. The face of the fish has the color that follows the body.

3. Marble color

This type of color means that the fish has an uneven mixture of colors. The colors are random, from the face to its tail. It looks like a marble tail where the pattern is also uneven. This fish is the cheapest at the market and available in many mixtures of colors.

4. Butterfly color

The butterfly-colored fish is also popular because it is pretty and solid. Usually, the fish has at least two different colors on its body. The fins have other colors as well. This is why they name it a butterfly because the pattern of the fins is different.

5. Bi-color

Bi-color on delta tail betta fish is more unique because the fins and torso have different colors. This category usually has some colors such as green, red, and blue. Sometimes, some fish have orange and chocolate shades as well. 

6. Grizzle colors

If you love pastel colors on the fish, you can choose the delta betta fish which has grizzle colors. This color is unusual, yet looks beautiful. The shade of the fish spread on its body. Generally, it has more than two colors because the pattern on the fins has different colors.

7. Multi colors

Another option to have the delta betta is the multi-colored one. This betta fish has at least three colors on its torso and other colors on its fins. This category is unique and expensive in the market.

Delta Tail Male Betta Care

Delta tail betta fish
Delta tail betta fish. (Image: aquariumfishonline.com.au)

1. Tank environment

Delta tail betta fish live in freshwater. The water shouldn’t be too warm and too deep since it tends to live on the surface of the water in the wildlife. When you bring the fish to the tank, the tank environment should be adjusted to its habitat. The minimum water volume is 5 gallons.

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This capacity allows them to take some oxygen from the surface level. Delta tail betta is unique because they will inhale from the surface, not from the deep water. There is an organ to help them live like this. It is called labyrinth organs.

2. Community life

It is better if you never put the delta tail betta with other fish in the community. Both male and female fish are very aggressive and it will only lead them to die fast. They are also easily stressed when there are some fish in the same tank. Delta tail betta is better to live alone.

3. Decoration of the tank

It is important to add some decoration for the tank because it will be lively. The decorations such as logs, rings, bushes, and living plants are the best suggestions. They enjoy the company of decoration that looks like their natural habitat. If they are bored, they might have a serious disease.

4. Water temperature

You have to pay attention to the water temperature of the delta tail betta fish. They are required to live in the water between 70-82 Fahrenheit. It is neither cold nor warm, but the average water temperature in tropical life. You can use a heater if the water is below the range.

5. Water Filtering

You need to filter the water as well to make sure that they live in a clean environment. The filtration shouldn’t contain chlorine even though it works well to clean ammonia and nitrate. The filtering should stay ON 24/7 and you have to clean the tank as well at least once a week.

6. Water pH

The water pH should be in the range of 6.5-7. It is neutral water because they can live in freshwater only. You have to measure the acidic level of the water before putting the delta tail betta in the tank. You can filter the acid first until the level reaches the neutral range.

7. Natural light

The position of the tanks shouldn’t get natural exposure to sunlight. It only will heat the water and the tank environment will change drastically during the day and night. The moderation of light is required. The dark mode for its sleep is about 10 hours a day and the rest is moderate light.

8. Food and diet

Food is vital to pay attention to because it affects their lifespan. Delta tail betta fish usually eat insect larvae and flies. If you don’t find them easily, you can feed the fish with bloodworms and shrimps. They are carnivores and eat meat the most all the time.

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The variety of food is better such as flakes and pellets. Feeding the fish should be done at least once a day. Overfeeding the fish will only lead to various diseases. Proper nutrition is what they need to prevent bloating and bladder disease. Make a schedule to feed them daily.

How to Breed Delta Tail Betta Fish

1. Preparing the tank

The first thing to do is prepare the tank environment. Since you are going to put two fish, male and female, together, then the capacity of the tank should be at least 10 gallons. If the place is smaller than that, one fish can be aggressive and one attacks another in the tank.

2. Preparing the fish

The delta tail betta is ready to mate are when they reach about 14 months of age. Under that age, they are not ready. The female and male betta fish will be passive because they are too young. You have to ensure that their size is also ready to mate. They should be at least 5 cm in length.

Besides the size and age, the fish should be free from any disease. Usually, delta tail fish have swim bladder disease where they are struggling to live actively. In case you find out that they have this disease, separate the fish and they can’t be for mating purposes.

3. Putting in a tank

After that, you have to put both fish in a tank to live together. You have to introduce them first by putting the transparent glass to separate them. If they are not aggressive toward each other, you can pull off the glass. They are ready to mate after that.

4. Mating period

If they are attracted to each other, the mating period will start and you can see the fish dance sometimes. You have to feed them properly every day with the best nutrition for them. The male betta fish will create a nest because it will be responsible to take care of the eggs.

5. Laying egg period

The female delta tail betta fish will lay the egg on the nest. After that, the female fish will leave the nest. The male fish will protect the eggs until they change into fries. The total eggs can not be expected.

6. Moving the fries

When the fries have reached more than three months, they are ready to move to another tank. The capacity for single fish should be at least 5 gallons. It is the basic requirement for them.

The betta fish types are attractive to own in a tank because they are colorful. The care is not extra because they can live well as long as the tank is clean and the environment is good to live in. Some fish might be eccentric because of the color and pattern they have on their bodies.

Delta tail betta fish is the best option if you want to have a good fish in a medium tank. They will do well even without any companies. As long as you maintain its environment and feed them with proper food, it will live well and have a long lifespan.