Betta fish or the Japanese fighting fish offers a range of subspecies for beginners or pet owners to pet. Among the range of subspecies, there exists koi betta. This fish comes in distinct, unique, and vibrant colors, which require not much maintenance and are perfect for beginners to pet.
If you are looking to add a betta to your tank, then koi betta is nothing but a wise choice. With its multicolored structure, it adds to the glow and chroma of your tank. As the name suggests, the particular betta will affect what a koi carp does to a tank. Koi carp is where koi betta has derived its name from. It should be noted that it is not a progeny of betta and koi fish. The particular fish is not naturally found, bred by the breeders. In this post, we will give you a complete guide on how to take care of a koi betta.
Koi Betta: About The Fish?
As said, the particular betta fish is not available naturally. Breeders and keepers have bred them. They are an extended version of marble betta fish. This is because they come in multi-colors, like the marble betta fish. Nevertheless, there is a distinction between the two.
The distinction between koi betta and marble betta fish lies in their pigments and patterns. At the same time, marble betta fish comes in almost all color combinations imaginable with idiosyncratic and dazzling patterns. In contrast, koi are limited to red, white, black, and orange varieties. When it comes to patterns, koi generally arrive in a scaled pattern.
These are a few typical characteristics of koi fish species of betta. Nevertheless, there are always exceptions. For instance, a galaxy koi betta is characterized by substantial blue patches instead of scales. Although this particular species is usually short-finned, a few long-fin koi fish do exist.
With the abnormal patterns and color combination, the koi betta fish have, it is pretty much apparent how rare they are. Hence, there is a chance you will not get them in a typical pet store. However, one thing remains common among this betta fish and other betta fish, which is the distinction between male and female.
The male betta koi will have the edge in their color and pattern combinations, while the female may lack the brightness and glow the male betta koi have. Koi betta can reach a length of 3 inches. Male betta koi also tend to be longer than most female betta koi.
Another common factor among other betta species and koi betta is their aggression. This particular species are equally aggressive and give all the reasons to pet them alone. If you ever think to pet them with any other tank mates, we recommend providing enough space to the betta and choosing a calm tank mate. Male betta, like usual, tends to be much more aggressive than female betta.
Although the tank parameters required to take care of koi betta are pretty standard yet, we would like to discuss it, keeping in mind its rarity and uniqueness.
Taking Care Of Koi Betta:
Taking care of betta fish is very easy. They are low maintenance and require minimal supervision. Likewise, a koi betta is simple to pet. You will provide your koi with a long and healthy life with the appropriate tank parameters. Though there is a difference in color among betta subspecies, they require a similar habitat.
Tank Requirements:
The first thing we would like to put forward is when you think of having betta as a pet, rule out bowls. Like every other betta, Betta koi requires a tank with a minimum size of 3 gallons. If you are thinking of introducing a tank mate, ensure to provide an even bigger tank, up to 20 gallons. Considering its territorial nature, a larger tank ensures that betta gets its space.
A larger tank will provide stability to your betta tank. However, a larger tank comes in more decorations and lights. Installing plenty of live plants and shrubs will replicate the natural habitat for your betta. Betta koi likes to hide among the leaves and shrubs and play around them. Besides, plenty of plants ensures ammonia and nitrate removal from your tank.
Betta koi have no particular choice for lighting and substrate. For substrate, one can use sand or gravel without any issue. When it comes to lights, aquarium lights are perfect for a betta. Keep in mind that betta needs dark and dim lights to rest. Hence, when installing lights, make sure that you have a switch-off or dim lights mechanism available for your tank.
Water Parameters:
Koi betta requires a water temperature of 70-84 Fahrenheit and a pH balance of 5.5-7.0. This is due to their tropical nature. Betta koi are naturally built to withstand temperature fluctuations. However, we strongly recommend not practicing this. They tend to stress with temperature fluctuations and lose their pigmentation. It will also cut short their life span.
They are usually found in shallow waters or surface level because they need air to breathe. Therefore, it is always recommended to choose a wide and not long tank. Koi betta is naturally found in stagnant and shallow waters. But this does not imply that you will not have to install proper filtration. Good filtration and heater are necessary to keep in check the water quality required for a betta to thrive.
Diet Requirements:
You can feed them daphnia, betta flakes, and pellets. Koi betta requires live food like bloodworms and shrimps. This is because they are built like a predator. They are carnivores. They feed on insects, mosquitoes, flies, etc. This makes it obvious they require a protein-rich diet.
Keep in mind not to overfeed them. They have a strong appetite. Feed them twice a day in small quantities, not more than that.
Koi Betta vs Marble Betta
| Basis | Koi Betta | Marble Betta |
|---|---|---|
| Jumping gene | Koi betta does not have the jumping gene | Marble betta have the jumping gene |
| Colors | Koi betta is multicolored but restricted to red, black, orange, and white. | Marble betta comes in any color combination possible |
| Patterns | Scaled pattern | A plethora of pattern options are available |
| Color changing ability | Koi cannot change colors | Marble betta can change colors. |
FAQs on Koi Betta
How much does a koi betta cost?
They are not naturally found and are bred by keepers in Thailand and Asia. Hence, they are slightly more expensive. You might expect to spend around $12-20 on them.
What is the life span of koi betta?
Koi betta can live up to 3-5 years if proper care is taken and tank conditions are met.
Where can I find koi betta fish for sale?
Since they are bred, you might not find them in your local pet store. However, you can always order them online or at your local pet store.
Do koi betta fish change color?
No, koi betta fish does not change color. Instead, their multi-color exterior makes it look like they have changed color.
What are some koi betta fish names?
Here are a few names you can give your koi betta:
– Picasso
– Nero
– Ink
– Scarlet
– Ruby
– Splash
– Loki
– Pixie
Final Thoughts:
Betta koi will be a perfect fit for your tank. You ensure your koi betta has a long and healthy life with the optimal tank size, tank decorations, water quality, and a balanced diet. These tank parameters are pretty basic and easy to maintain, making them perfect for beginners.
