A betta fish or the Japanese fighting fish is well known for its gaudy, dazzling, and flamboyant appearance. The betta fish is the best pet for a beginner fish enthusiast and is deficient in maintenance. Betta fish comes in diverse colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, tails, etc. A part of this diversified group of betta fish is combtail betta.
Combtail betta fish is not mainly a species of betta, but it is all those bettas with a comb-like tail. A combtail betta is found in South Asian countries, like Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. They are tropical and highly territorial fish. Hence, it is always advised to keep a combtail betta in a solitary tank to avoid any fatality to your community tank members and a betta. Betta fish are susceptible to water and tank conditions as well. Therefore you must keep the tank conditions adequate for your combtail betta. Today we are going to discuss more combtail betta.
What Is A Combtail Betta?
A combtail betta is available in all the colors one can imagine. They have a unique, spikey tail feature, making them a great tank member. Their tail type is quite similar to that of a crowntail betta. However, both are idiosyncratic in their respective nature. Their webbing reaches up to two-thirds of their tails. This webbing and rays pattern might not be explicitly seen in a juvenile combtail betta.
A combtail betta fish will have the rays in the tails not lengthier than its webbing. The difference is so sophisticatedly displayed, which is not that prominent. Their fins are beautifully and distinctly spread. The caudal fins are sometimes said to have a fan-like shape because they are so laid out and extended. However, the extensions in the caudal fins are restricted to 180 degrees.
They are usually a mixed breed of crowntail and half-moon betta fish tail types and are bred by the breeders. The similarities between the webbing patterns of crowntail and combtail betta make it evident that they are related. The combtail fanned-out extensions are the genotype of the half-moon betta fish. The outspread and fringed tail also give it the name of half-sun betta.
How To Recognize A Combtail Betta?
Differentiating between a combtail vs. crowntail betta, half-moon, elephant year, rosetail, feather tail, and many other bettas can be highly confusing. They are also not limited to specific colors. There exists black, purple, orange, white, blue combtail betta, and many more. One can distinguish between a combtail betta fish and other types of betta fish through the following distinct features of a combtail betta:
- The most important and primary observation is its tips. The margin of the fins has a comb-like appearance, which aids in identification.
- It has a tail that is as broad as a Halfmoon’s, but with much rougher ends.
- Conversely, some Halfmoons have spikes or fringes, but if the fringes resemble fluffy texture rather than a more obvious comb, then rule out the possibility of it being a Combtail.
- It has fewer extended spikes, edges, and rays than a Crowntail.
- The separations between each ray should not be prominent in a combtail betta.
- The divides should be at minimum a third of the way from the beginning to the tip, however the splits on a Crowntail are so extreme that they span practically the whole fin.
How To Take Care Of Combtail Betta?
The state of your aquarium has a significant influence on how long and how well your betta survives. Your goal should be to mimic a combtail betta’s natural habitat closely. Here are a few things to consider while putting together a combtail betta fish tank.
Tank Conditions:
You’ll need an aquarium with a minimum of 5 gallons, which is shallow but has a long breadth. This is necessary not just because they live in tropical waters but also because they breathe from the surface. They have a distinctive collection of organs called labyrinth organs, which assist them in breathing oxygen.
A betta should not be kept in a fishbowl. If they are maintained in a small space, their long fins and tails will be harmed. It would help to replicate their native environment as feasible by adding enough shrubs, living plants, floating logs, toys, and lights for your betta to lurk behind or explore. Make sure that none of the things have sharp edges, or it may damage the beautiful tails and fins of your combtail betta.
Water Requisites
A betta requires a warmer environment, between 70 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, a heater must be installed in the aquarium to keep the water temperature from fluctuating too much. Surplus nitrate concentration in the tank will be ruled out by proper filtration. A sponge filter is sufficient for a combtail betta.
The soft and steady stream of the sponge filter allows a combtail betta to swim without losing its equilibrium owing to the high stream of other filters. Maintain a pH between 6.5 and 7. Tap or RO water will suffice to keep the pH at this level.
Diet
Combtail Betta is a predatory fish. Live bloodworms, shrimp, and mosquito larvae are among the betta’s favorite foods. Live food is the best option, but it will also eat frozen meat products. You can feed a mixture of pellets and flakes to your betta. You can also add a few dried or live worms to the mix and daphnia and brine shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is a combtail betta fish price?
A combtail betta fish follows the standard price of betta, ranging from $3-$10, varying from region to region.
Where can you get combtail betta for sale?
You can buy a betta fish from online pet stores, eBay, or other local pet stores. Combtail is not that rare. Therefore, you might avail them easily if you do not have a particular color choice.
What is the rarest betta fish?
A fantail betta fish is the rarest among all betta fish tail types. They have quirky fins and tail types.
How long can a combtail betta grow?
A combtail female betta is always shorter than the combtail male. They can grow up to 2.5-3 inches long.
Final Thoughts:
Combtail bettas are one of the most gorgeous, colorful, and brilliant pets available. Your betta can be dynamic for 2 to 4 years of its life if all of the tank parameters are met. Keep the tank tidy, use adequate filtration, replenish the water around 25% once a week, and serve them appropriately. This will ensure that your betta lives a long and healthy life.
