King Betta Vs Giant Betta: All You Need to Know

Betta fish are also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish is no doubt the most popular aquarium fish. Among other ones, the two most demanded betta types are the King Betta Fish and the Giant Betta Fish. These two are often confused from each other, therefore we have prepared a King Betta vs Giant Betta comparative analysis.

The king betta fish is often assumed to be bigger than the regular betta fish. After all, ‘king’ is in the name. This is the reason why it is often assumed that the king betta and the giant betta fish are one and the same. As a matter of fact, the king betta fish is of the same size as that of a regular betta fish while the giant betta fish can grow up to 4-6 inches in length.

King Betta vs Giant Betta – A Comparative Analysis

By preparing a king betta vs giant betta analysis we can infer how the two fishes are different from each other and what gives each of them their name. We will contrast the king betta and the giant betta based on physical appearance, temperament, tank requirements, and other factors.

Physical Appearance

King Betta Fish

• They can grow up to 2.5 inches in length
• Short fins
• Broad tail
• Fast and agile swimmers
• Mostly bred as fighting fishes

Giant Betta Fish

• They can grow up to 4 to 6 inches in length
• Has an elongated and slim body
• Iridescent spots on the scales
• Female ones have smaller fins and are less brightly colored
• Pre-orbital stripes in the head region

Personality and Behavior

King Betta Fish

The Betta Fish (especially male ones) are fierce fighters in nature and do not bode well with other tank mates. They are aggressive in nature and are highly territorial. Thus, the king betta fish prefers to be alone and it is strongly advised to provide them with enough space.

Giant Betta Fish

Unlike the king betta fish, the giant betta fish is surprisingly a very peaceful creature. They are mouthbrooders by nature which means they are not that territorial and can live with other fishes if the tank is big enough. However, a male giant betta fish may tend to be a little aggressive as compared to the female ones.

Tankmates

King Betta Fish

• Corydoras Catfish
• Kuhli Loaches
• Malaysian Trumpet Snails
• Ember Tetras
• Harlequin Rasboras
• Snails
• Other bottom-dwellers

Giant Betta Fish

• Cardinal Tetra
• Purple Harlequin Rasboras
• Guppies
• Mollies
• Zebra Snails
• Goldstrip Corydora
• Other bottom-dwellers

Tank Environment

King Betta Fish

• At least a 5 gallons tank is required.
• Water temperature of 78 degrees F is ideal
• Water pH level ranging between 5 and 7.5 is required
• Low water current and proper water filtration is needed
• Include hiding places like caves, plants, and other decors
• Use a bigger tank in case you want to add other tank mates

Giant Betta Fish

• At least a 10 gallons tank is required
• Water temperature between 80 and 86 degrees F recommended
• Water pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 is advised
• Periodical cleaning required
• Efficient filtration system must be in place
• Provide hiding places like plantations and other decors
• Use a bigger tank in case you want to add other tank mates

Food and Diet

King Betta Fish

Being a carnivore by nature, a simple high protein diet is sufficient for a king betta fish. Betta pellets, betta flakes, and frozen foods are good sources of food for your betta fish. You can also feed live foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimps to your betta fish.

The only thing to remember while feeding your fish is to avoid overfeeding it as they can easily start bloating. Feed them twice a day and only that much quantity of food which they can finish within 30 to 40 seconds.

Giant Betta Fish

The diet of a giant betta fish and a king betta fish is more or less the same. Both require a protein-rich diet consisting of foods like betta pellets, flakes, brine shrimps, daphnia, and bloodworms. Feed the betta fish twice daily and only that much food which it can finish in 30 to 40 seconds.

Like the king betta fish, you need to make sure that you do not overfeed your betta fish. They are highly susceptible to being overfed which can cause constipation and other fatal consequences.

Breeding

King Betta Fish

Breeding in the case of a king betta fish is quite easy owing to the fact that they are bubble nesters. The male king betta fish first creates a bubble nest where the fertilization process takes place. The female king betta lays its eggs under the bubble following which the male also releases its milt to start the fertilizing process.

Giant Betta Fish

As mentioned earlier, giant betta fishes are mouthbrooders which means the male giant betta fish broods the eggs after the female has laid them. Owing to their size, giant betta fishes are quite hard to breed in a tank. If your tank is big enough then breeding of a giant betta fish is possible.

Life Span

King Betta Fish

If proper care is provided to your king betta fish, it can live for up to 3 years.

Giant Betta Fish

While a giant betta fish can live up to 10 years if sufficient care is given to it, the average life span of a giant betta fish ranges from 3 to 5 years only.

Hope this king betta vs giant betta comparative analysis has provided you with enough information to distinguish between these two betta fishes. Both these betta fishes are unique in their own way and are certainly one of the most beautiful aquatic animals.

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King Betta vs Giant Betta – Final Thoughts

Being often confused from each other, a king betta vs giant betta analysis becomes necessary to properly differentiate between these two fishes. The two fishes are almost similar except when we take size and temperament into consideration.