Betta fish, traditionally called the Siamese Fighting Fish, is one of the most popular fish to keep in an aquarium. Why would it not be with its beautiful, radiant fins and varied colors? Aside from different colored betta fishes, there is also stars and stripes betta fish.
Stars and stripes betta are rare breeds of betta fish. Besides the exterior, the stripped betta fish is in no way different than a regular betta. However, there might be cases in which a regular betta fish develops stripes over time. This is not natural, and one has to act immediately.
About Stars And Stripes Betta Fish
The only thing that makes a stripped betta fish unique is its appearance. Betta fish is known to have wide-spread and radiant colored fins along with a brightly colored body. In addition to this, a stars and stripes betta fish also has stripes running through its body.
The stripped betta is an attractive freshwater fish, originally from Thailand and belonging to the Betta Splendens group. Like regular betta fish, a stars and stripes betta is also pretty aggressive and territorial. They are solitary creatures who prefer to be alone.
Male stripped bettas are more aggressive than female ones. But the development of stripes in male and female bettas may be different. These stripes may not always be natural and may develop due to unfavorable conditions, stress, or breeding motives.
Keeping Stars And Stripes Betta In A Tank
Having discussed a little about the fish, let us now move on towards the conditions which need to be fulfilled to keep a stripped betta in a tank. Tank conditions and the dietary needs of the betta fish should be considered before adding them into a tank.
For a stars and stripes betta, these conditions and parameters are all the same for a regular betta fish. Variables like water temperature, water pH levels, food requirements, and water quality are similar to those of a regular betta fish.
Water Temperature
Betta fish are tropical freshwater fish, and therefore they thrive in a slightly warmer environment. A water temperature ranging between 76 and 82 degrees F is considered optimum for a betta fish. Add a water heater to your tank to regulate the water temperature.
Water pH Level
Betta fish like a slightly acidic surrounding to live in. A water pH level ranging between 6 and 8 is optimum for a betta fish to live happily. Similar to a regular one, a stars and stripes betta also require slightly acidic water.
Tank Size
There is a rule in the fish rearing business. One gallon per inch of fish. Thus, if your betta is 2 inches, then it requires at least 2 gallons of water to swim in. The average size of a betta is around 2.5 inches. Thus, a tank that is at least 3 gallons is suitable for a betta fish.
Aside from being 3 gallons, you also need to add a proper filtration system and a water heater to your tank. A filtration system and regular water changes keep the water quality intact and regulate the tank’s flow. The heater ensures that the water temperature is optimum for the betta fish.
In addition to all the above nuances, you must also add some decors to your tank as the betta fish likes to have certain hiding places in the tank. These tank decors provide sufficient places for your betta fish to hide. Decorations like plants, driftwood, caves, and other things can be added.
Dietary Needs
Betta fish is a carnivore by nature. Thus, a diet that is high in protein is good for your betta fish. Just make sure that the fish gets all the necessary nutrients and minerals from the diet. An ideal betta fish diet consists of quality betta pellets, betta flakes, and wafers.
You may also feed your betta fish live foods and frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimps. The only thing to ensure while feeding betta fish is that they are highly susceptible to being overfed. Thus, feed them small quantities once or twice per day to avoid bloating.
Stars And Stripes Betta – Natural OR Sickness?
The development of stars and stripes patterns in a betta fish might be natural or may be caused due to some environmental condition or stress. This happens mainly in a male betta fish. Male betta fish can sometimes communicate using their body by developing stripes along the whole body.
It may so happen that the water conditions surrounding the betta fish are not suitable and optimum. This causes the stress levels in the betta fish to rise. Once the stress level rises, they start developing stripes along their bodies to signal a stressful environment.
If you see such stripes forming over time in your male betta fish, it is a sign of stress. You must check the water conditions and perform regular water changes to optimize the tank for your betta fish and reduce the stress on the fish.
In the case of female betta fish, these stripes usually appear when they are ready to mate. Female betta fish signals the male betta using such a striped pattern along their body. Thus, the development of stripes in a female betta is usually natural, and it is a breeding signal for the male betta fish.
To differentiate between stress stripes and breeding stripes is to look at the pattern. If the stripes are running alongside the betta’s body horizontally, they are stress stripes. On the other hand, if the stripes appear in 4 to 6 vertical bands, they are breeding stripes.
While differentiating these stripes, keep in mind that breeding stripes appear only in female betta fish and not male ones. Thus, if stripes (not natural) appear in a male betta fish, it is usually due to rising stress levels on the fish.
Stars And Stripes Betta Names
Well, who does not name their fish? You are not calling your betta fish ‘betta’ or ‘fishy’ all day. Let us suggest some names you can give to your betta fish. For easy identification, let us provide differentiated names for male and female bettas.
If it is a Male Stars And Stripes betta, we would like to suggest naming it:
- Kai
- Bruno
- Marino
- Enzo
- Ernie
- Moses
- Joe
- Jack
- Alpha
- Wormtail
- Spiky
- Finny
- Gilly
- Bryce
If it is Female Stars And Stripes betta, we would suggest the following names:
- Emma
- Luna
- Pearl
- Dora
- Rach
- Phoebe
- Ellie
- Gina
- Penny
- Amy
- Coral
- Violet
- Amber
- Marina
FAQs Related to Stars And Stripes Betta
Why is my betta getting striped?
A stars and stripes betta may sometimes not develop these patterns naturally. These stripes appear due to rising stress levels on the fish due to unfavorable water conditions.
Why do female bettas stripe?
Female bettas may usually develop stripes over time. This sign signifies that the female betta fish is ready to mate with a male betta. These kinds of vertical stripes do not appear in a male betta.
How long do stars and stripes betta live?
2 to 5 years if sufficient care is taken. If the tank conditions are favorable and habitable, stars and stripes betta fish can live about 2 to 5 years.
Final Thoughts
Natural stars and stripes betta fish can be kept in tanks if required tank conditions are met. If the stripes appearing in your male betta fish are not natural, it may be due to stress. Stripes in female bettas are usually a sign of breeding and mating.
