A betta fish, often known as a Japanese fighting fish, is recognized for its vivid, brilliant, and flashy beauty. The betta fish is an excellent starting fish that requires very little attention. Betta fish come in various colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, tails, and other characteristics. The delta betta is a type of betta fish that belongs to this diverse group.
Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam are among the nations where combtail bettas can be found. They are tropical fish with strong possessive instincts. The delta betta fish is a distinct betta fish with a differentiated tail that distinguishes it from other bettas. It has a tail fashioned like the Greek letter delta, as the name implies. The delta tail is a unique variation of the betta, also known as the Japanese Fighting fish, which comes from the Gourami group of fish. The tail of the fish narrows as it approaches the torso, expanding toward the margins. As a result, it mimics the Greek letter Delta, which has a triangle structure.
What Is A Delta Betta Fish?
One of the most uncommon variations of this beloved aquarium fish is the delta tail betta. Betta fish with delta tails come in a rainbow of hues. They don’t come in just one shade; they come in various tints of yellow, black, ochre, emerald, navy blue, white, jumping colors, purple, pink, and multicolored like koi fish. They are available in different species as well, like dragon delta betta fish, betta mahachaiensis, etc.
The shape of the tail may cause confusion between half-moon and delta betta fishtails. It resembles a half-moon in appearance, but it differs in that it has a short tail that does not complete 180 degrees. The super delta tail betta is yet an additional version of the delta tail. The tails for super delta betta fish can flare up to 120 to 160 degrees but note that the tail will at no condition spread up to 180 degrees.
The best way to differentiate betta fish based on their tail type is to look for their webbing and rays. A tail of betta fish is made of two components, dense, thick tail edges, which are the rays, and each ray is attached by a delicate, thin tissue, which is the other component, the webbing.
For a delta betta fish, one must look at the webbings and rays to separate it from any other betta tail type like the crowntail, combtail, half-moon, elephant ear, and many other betta fish tail types. The best indication of a delta betta fishtail is that they do not have spikey or fringy endings. The webs join the rays entirely from the head to toe of the betta tail.
How To Take Care Of Delta Betta Fish?
Delta betta fish is an uncommon fishtail variation which makes it exceptional from other bettas in its way. However, we must not forget that they are eventually betta fish by nature. They will possess all the features typical to that of a betta fish. Similar to every other betta, they are aggressive, sensitive, and territorial, irrespective of what their tail shape is. Hence ensure to meet the following tank requirements.
Tank Parameters
It primarily lives in paddy freshwater, which is not deep, warmer, and rich in plants. As a result, you will need an aquarium that’s at least 5 gallons in capacity and shallow yet wide. This is necessary not just because they live in tropical waters but also as they inhale from the level. They have a unique set of organs called labyrinth organs, which assist them in breathing oxygen.
A betta should not be kept in a fishbowl. They require a large amount of space to roam and swim. Betta is not advised to be kept in a community tank, or else they could easily attack other tank mates or die in the stress of domination by others. If they are maintained in a small space, their long fins and tails will be harmed.
You should also try to make the aquarium as near to their native habitat as practical by adding enough bushes, living plants, logs, drifting rings, decorations, and reflectors for your betta to shelter behind or enjoy with. Make certain that none of the things have jagged corners. Sharp edges can injure the elegant tails of your delta betta fish and, if left untreated, can lead to serious diseases. It will be ideal to use a sand or gravel base.
Water Parameters
We recommend acquiring a heater and a filter when buying a container. A betta requires a warm environment, between 70 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, maintaining warmth may be difficult. Thus a heater should be installed in the tank to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Excess ammonia concentration in the aquarium will be ruled out by proper filtering. Your fish may succumb to poisoning if the tank is overloaded with nitrate and ammonia or if the fish waste is not adequately cleaned. As a result, adequate cleaning and filtering are essential. A sponge filter is sufficient for a delta betta fish.
The soft and steady stream of the sponge filter allows a delta betta fish to swim without compromising its stability owing to the high pressure of other filters and get swayed away. Preserve a pH between 6.5 and 7. To keep the pH at this level, tap or RO water will suffice. Incorporate sufficient lighting as well. Having the tank dark is a good idea. It appeals to them.
Natural light should not be allowed to reach a betta. The tank’s water temperature will be changed. It will also produce algae and murky water as a result of this. As a result, in terms of illumination in a tank, moderation is crucial. Make sure your betta gets plenty of sleep. Turn off the lights for ten hours a day to do this. This will ensure that your betta gets enough rest and stays energetic.
Diet
As a result, you should try to mimic their diet of flies and insect larvae. In the wild, your delta betta fish eats meat. The Delta Betta fish prefers luscious foods such as raw bloodworms, shrimps, and insect larvae. Fresh food is the best option, although it will accept frozen meat as well.
Offer them a variety in their meals, including fish pellets and flakes, along with meat. This will not bore them. In the quest to feed the proper nutrition, do not overfeed them. They have a vicarious appetite and can take in all you give, which will cause bloating and swim bladder failure in the betta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How long do delta betta fish live?
They live up to 2 to 4 years in confinement if proper tank conditions are given to them.
How long do delta betta fish get?
They can go up to 3 inches in length. However, if you have a female delta, they might have a shorter length.
How much is a delta betta fish?
Depending on what color sub-species you buy, the price of a delta betta could be anything between $10-$30.
Final Thoughts:
Delta betta fish is one of the most attractive, bright, and eccentric-looking betta fish that exists. If you are planning to buy one of these, you can always look online or visit your local pet stores. However, ensure that you maintain the vibrancy of your Delta betta by providing it with optimal tank conditions.