Betta fishes are incredibly gorgeous fish that becomes the centerpiece of any aquarium it lives on. Galaxy Bettas, a variant of the Betta splendens family, is also known for its unique appearance. They are known to have marble genes, and for that reason, they change color often.
Galaxy Betta is a variant of the marble Betta species known for their partial metallic scaling or partial dragon scaling. It very often has a flashy star-like spot or pattern on its body. They are very popular in the market and sell fast due to their incredibly gorgeous unique appearance.
Galaxy Betta is the trade name given to the fish. Koi Bettas can also be considered as Galaxy Bettas as long as they show spots of metallic scales all or partly throughout their bodies. They are also known as Siamese fighting fish.
The average lifespan of a Galaxy Betta ranges from 3 to 4 years, however under proper care, they can live up to five years if no diseases affect them.
They are very popular as people like to have colorful, unique, flashy, rare fish. The care for this breed is easy and can be done by beginner fish keepers.
Overview of Galaxy Betta
| Scientific name | Betta splendens |
| Common names | Galaxy Betta |
| Native Place | Thailand, Laos and Cambodia |
| Color | Scattered iridescent blue color scales |
| Aquarium size | 5 gallons or bigger |
| Preferred temperature | 25° to 28° C ( 77 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit) |
| pH level | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Fish Size | 2 – 3 inches |
| Temperament | Peaceful when alone |
| Preferred food | Frozen and live foods, flakes, blood worms, brine shrimp |
| Recommended tank mates | Croaking Gourami, Black Tetras, Catfish, Bloodfin Tetras, Poecilia, and Rasbora |
The Name Galaxy Betta
It is said that the name was given to the fish due to the iridescent blue color of its body. After the successful breeding of the first galaxy tetras, the breeders thought that the scattered iridescent scale of the Bettas looked as if it was a galaxy of stars in the night sky.
This breed of Marble Bettas is also known to have a flashy, unique star-like pattern on its body, making it look more like a galaxy of stars.
The appearance of Galaxy Betta
Galaxy Betta is a variant of the Marble Betta variety of the Betta splendens species. The fish even got its name due to its unique appearance. The fish has a unique blue appearance, making it look like a galaxy of stars in the night sky.
The fish also has a unique star pattern on its body. In addition, it is known for its unique scattered iridescent blue scales. Galaxy Bettas grow up to a length of 3 inches.
However, since the marble genes are present in these fishes, the color of the fish is volatile. The color could change at any time, and the change is very unpredictable. So if a person decides to buy a marble fish because they like the color there is no guarantee that the color will remain the same throughout their whole life.
The ventral fin is the most distinguishing feature between the male and female. In Males, the ventral fin is wider, bulkier, and bigger in length compared to the females in which this fin is thinner and slender even though the tail length can be depended on the type of tail.
Like other Bettas, Galaxy Bettas also have large fins and flowing tails. Like other Bettas, male Bettas have a brighter coloring and more ornate fins when compared to females. In addition, they have large pectoral fins on either side of their head, which resembles the ears of an elephant.
Cause of the Unique Appearance
They are a variant in the Betta splendens species, and the name is just a commercial name provided by the breeders to sell it at a higher price. Galaxy Bettas are said to have incomplete genes of Dragon Scale Bettas, which is the cause for its unique appearance and making it have scattered scales.
Marble variation comes due to selective breeding. Selective breeding causes jumping genes.
Jumping genes are portions of DNA that can move around within a cell, causing the fish to change it to a new color or increase the pigmentation intensity.
Best Tank Conditions for Galaxy Betta
The tank conditions of Galaxy Betta are similar to that of other fishes in the Betta splendens species. As all Betta fishes are aggressive, it is best to let them live alone. The tank should be 5 gallons or bigger. The bigger tanks are recommended to make sure the fish has enough space to swim around freely.
Water quality should be stable all the time, and sudden fluctuations in the water conditions could affect the health of the fish. The water in the tank should be between 25° to 28° C ( 77 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit) and should have a pH ranging between 6.5 – 7.5.
A heater should be available in the water tank to maintain the temperature of the water. The filter system should also be placed in the tank to ensure the cleanliness of the water is maintained. However, one has to remember that Bettas do not like heavy currents, and filters cause the water to move a lot. Therefore, the filter’s outflow should be regulated, or a sponge filter should be used to make sure there is not much water movement.
Live plants and decorations should be placed in the tank to make the Betta feel more at home. Hiding places should also be provided to make the fish feel more comfortable. The bottom of the fish tank can be filled with either gravel or sand.
Even though these fish thrive better alone, if one wishes to put their Betta in a community tank, then the tank should be much bigger and 15 gallons or bigger.
Also, Read | Platinum Betta: The Stunning Water Jewel
Food & Feeding
Bettas need high-quality food to ensure their health and color do not deteriorate. Even though they are omnivores in the wild, they have to be provided with a carnivores diet in a closed space environment. Pellets and flakes high in protein and frozen or live food such as bloodworms and brine shrimp can be fed.
They should not be overfed as they can easily become overweight. They should only be fed in quantities which they can eat in a few minutes.
Diseases
A Betta lives up to 4 years as that is the average lifespan unless a disease affects them, which could prove deadly, and sadly they get affected by diseases very easily. As the fish have been bred multiple times to get desired results, their immune systems are weak and are more susceptible to diseases. Some of the most common problems faced by these fish are swim bladder disease and fin rot. These diseases can be cured with proper care and medications.
Tumours are also seen in Betta fish and could often be fatal. However, not all lumps seen on the fish’s body is a tumor. If one finds a lump on the fish’s body, they should be provided medical attention to be safe.
Price of Galaxy Betta
A single piece of Galaxy Betta costs in the range between $23 and $25. The price could be less if one decides to buy a pair together.
Also, Read | Betta Macrostoma: Unique Beauty from Brunei
Galaxy Betta FAQ
Here are a few questions we hear often, when talking about Galaxy Betta.
What is a Galaxy Betta?
Galaxy Betta, a variation of the Marble Betta breed, is one of the most unique and ornate fish belonging to the Betta family. They are known for their unique scattered blue color scales.
How big do Galaxy Koi bettas get?.
Like other fishes in the Betta splendens species, Galaxy Bettas also only grow to a length ranging between 2-3 inches.
Do Galaxy Bettas change color?
Due to the presence of Marble Genes, Galaxy Bettas do change color. However, the pace of the color shift could vary from one fish to another.
Conclusion
With a wide range of Betta fish to choose from one might easily overlook this majestic beauty. Their fins have not been excessively bred which makes them less spread out, unlike the other bettas. This also makes them very easy to take care of and can be done by beginners as well. Due to the marble gene in them, they often change colors which makes the Galaxy Betta a truly magnificent creature to have in one’s aquarium.
Everything one needs to know about the Galaxy Betta, their breed and how they should be cared for is discussed in this article. Hope it was useful!
