
Moving from deepest layers to surface, pigment or color layers are red, yellow, black, iridescent blue/green, and a layer giving a metallic appearance.
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Varying color patterns can also be found in male Halfmoon bettas.īetta colors arise from layers of pigment in their skin as well as the refraction of light within a layer of translucent cells. MalesĪs with bettas in general, male Halfmoon bettas generally have brighter colors and distinctive fins. A wide variety of hues breed true, with offspring always displaying the colors of their parents. Wild bettas normally show strong color only when disturbed or agitated, but breeders have made coloration permanent. Halfmoon bettas are available in all betta colors. The colorful and shapely Halfmoon betta we know today emerged from these modern breeding movements in the 1980s. In the 20th century, some betta breeders began to move away from breeding purely for aggression and selecting instead for color, pattern, shape, and other ornamental qualities. In the wild, habitat destruction and pollution mean that Betta splendens are categorized by the IUCN as vulnerable. Today, their popularity in home aquaria means that bettas are abundant in captivity. It appears that they first entered the USA and Australia in the early 20th century. King Rama III later reportedly gifted several betta fish to the Danish scientist Theodore Cantor.īettas began to appear in France, Germany, and other European aquaria towards the end of the 19th century and were soon a popular ornamental fish variety. The popularity of betta fights apparently attracted the attention of the King Rama III of Siam (1788-1851), who began to collect fighting fish himself.

Winners are determined by the fish’s willingness to continue fighting. The heightened aggression bred into domestic betta means that they can fight for longer, and death is more likely. Wild betta fish will fight only for minutes before one fish retreats.

History And Origins Of Bettasīetta fish were initially collected from the wild and bred to increase their aggression, being used as subjects in gambling matches, similar to dogfighting or cockfighting. Halfmoon bettas are consistently amongst the most popular betta fish, regardless of color. Despite a reputation for aggression, with the right care and attention, they can make excellent pets. The bright colors, varied shape, relatively low cost, and easy maintenance of the halfmoon betta all make them an attractive choice for home aquaria. Not naturally found amongst wild betta, Halfmoon bettas exist in many different colors and patterns, including Mustard Gas and Samurai. The Halfmoon betta is distinguished by its long, rounded tail that expands to a 180-degree semi-circle when the fish is flaring its tail and fins for display or in distress. The genetics of bettas indicate likely domestication by humans at least 1000 years ago, making them one of the longest domesticated fish.
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5 What Diet Should A Halfmoon Betta Have?.4 What Are The Best Water Parameters For Halfmoon Bettas.3 How Do You Care For A Halfmoon Betta?.
