Crowntail Betta

Betta splendens var. Crowntail

The Crowntail Betta is famous for its spiky, separated fins. The membrane between the fin rays is genetically reduced to a minimum, leaving the bone "spikes" completely free. This gives it an aggressive look, similar to a toothed crown. It is slightly more agile than the Halfmoon because its fins create less drag, but the free rays are very delicate. If the water is not perfect, soft, and rich in protective tannins, the tips will irreversibly curl, ruining the fish for life.

Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Mutazione ornamentale selezionata originariamente in Indonesia (1997).
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Temperature

24 °C - 28 °C

6 - 7.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Surface and middle

Adult size

7 cm

Description

The Battle Against the Mirror (Flaring Infarction Futile Deaf Mute):

If the internal tank light is stronger than the room light, the aquarium glass becomes a mirror. The Crowntail will see its reflection and believe an intruder is usurping its territory. It will spend days in full flare, puffing its gills and vibrating its rays. This perpetual state of agonistic fury will cause a fatal cardiac strain. Darken the background and dim the lighting with floating plants.

Care and observations

Ray Curling and Hard Water (The Broken Crown Futile Blind):

The protruding rays of the Crowntail are directly exposed to the water chemistry. If you use hard tap water (alkaline, rich in calcium), the tips of the fins will rapidly lose structural tone. They will begin to curl back on themselves like burnt paper (Ray Curling). This damage is permanent. It is an absolute REQUIREMENT to use remineralized RO water with low GH, and release massive amounts of protective tannins (Catappa leaves) to color the water amber and protect the tips.

Fish profile

Temperament: Estremamente Aggressivo (Intraspecifico).
Diet: Insettivoro/Carnivoro. Preferisce cibo vivo o surgelato (chironomus) per mantenere robusti i raggi ossei.
Tank level: Surface and middle
Adult size: 7 cm
GH: 5 dGH - 15 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a

Image gallery

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