Elephant Ear Betta (Dumbo)

Betta splendens var. Elephant Ear

The Dumbo Betta has enormous pectoral fins resembling elephant ears. Visually stunning, it is the most physically disabled fish of its species. Pectoral fins are used to steer: turning them into huge heavy drapes is like paralyzing the fish. It struggles desperately for every inch swum to the surface to breathe. It is condemned to continuous exhaustion, and MUST be kept in aquariums with zero current (sponge filters) to prevent it from dying of a stress-induced heart attack.

Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Mutazione genetica iper-selezionata, derivata dai ceppi asiatici del Betta splendens.
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

Bedsores Necrosis (Rotten Fins Futile Deaf Mute):

Being exhausted, the Dumbo will spend 70% of its time resting on the bottom to avoid getting tired. Its huge pectoral fins will touch the gravel, being instantly infected by bacteria. They will rot. The insertion of huge Anubias leaves near the surface (Betta Hammocks) is a MANDATORY lifesaver to let it sleep raised off the bottom.

Care and observations

Heart Attack by Current (Motor Asphyxia Futile Blind):

If the plant in your aquarium sways under the filter's output, there is too much current for a Dumbo Betta. The water friction against its fake wings will push it inexorably to the bottom. The fish will die of a broken heart in the desperate muscular effort to rise and take a breath at the surface. Completely still water is required.

Fish profile

Temperament: Aggressivo, ma totalmente incapace di difendersi fisicamente o attaccare.
Diet: Carnivoro puro. Richiede esche molto lente o posate in superficie.
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

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Primary

Generated via Deepmind Antigravity AI