The article in brief
Discover the captivating characteristics of female bettas splendens, these little aquatic wonders that light up our aquariums.
- Unique appearance Size from 4 to 8 cm, colours pastelshort fins
- Personality : Curious, lively and slightly territorial
- Ideal habitat Aquarium 15-20 litres, temperature 24-28°C, pH 6.5-7.5
- Power supply : Plan varied carnivore (insects, live food, frozen food)
- Cohabitation Possible in groups or with other peaceful species
Dive into the fascinating world of bettas splendens femalesthese little aquatic wonders that light up our aquariums! As a keen aquarist for over 15 years, I never tire of observing these graceful creatures. Let me help you discover their particularities and guide you in taking care of them like a pro.
Unique characteristics of the female betta splendens
Appearance and size
Ah, the bettas splendens females ! They're like little water fairies, measuring between 4 and 8 cm when fully grown. Unlike their male counterparts, their colours are softer, often in pastel shades that always remind me of a sunset on the water. Their fins are shorter than those of the males, giving them a more compact but equally elegant silhouette.
I was lucky enough to breed a particular variety called 'Dumbo Ear'. These damselfish have enlarged pectoral fins that give them a truly unique appearance. It's as if they were wearing little aquatic wings!
Behaviour and personality
You'll be surprised at just how much character these little swimmers have! Although less aggressive than the males, the bettas splendens females can be territorial. I have often observed their curiosity and liveliness in my aquariums. They swim gracefully, exploring every nook and cranny of their habitat.
One day, I even saw one of my female bettas playing with a small floating ball that I'd placed in the aquarium. It was hilarious and touching at the same time!
Origins and natural habitat
These aquatic beauties are native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. In the wild, they live in calm waters such as rice paddies, shallow pools and stagnant water. It's fascinating to think that these little creatures have been able to adapt to such varied environments!
Care and maintenance of your female betta splendens
Ideal living conditions
So that your betta splendens female flourish, you need to recreate a little corner of tropical paradise in your aquarium. Here are the optimum conditions:
- Temperature: between 24 and 28°C
- pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Hardness: between 5 and 20 GH
An aquarium of at least 15-20 litres will be perfect for a single betta. Don't forget that these damselfish have a little secret: their labyrinthine organs allow them to breathe air at the surface. It's as if they had a mini aquatic lung!
Power supply and maintenance
The bettas splendens females are real carnivorous gourmets. In my experience, there's nothing like a varied diet to keep these little queens in tip-top shape. Alternate between :
- Insects and larvae
- Living food
- Frozen food
As for maintenance, it's a piece of cake! Regular water changes are usually enough. Filtration is not compulsory, but it can make life easier. Be careful, though, as these damselflies are real acrobats and can sometimes jump out of the aquarium. A cover is therefore recommended!
Cohabitation and reproduction
Contrary to what you might think, the bettas splendens females can live in groups. It's even quite amusing to see them interacting with each other! They can also cohabit with other peaceful species. If you want to add a little diversity, why not consider a blue neon sign ? These little fish will add a splash of bright colour to your aquarium.
The reproduction of bettas is a fascinating spectacle. The male builds a nest of bubbles on the surface of the water, where the female lays her eggs. It's truly magical to watch!
| Features | Betta splendens female | Betta splendens male |
|---|---|---|
| Fins | Short | Long and flamboyant |
| Colours | Pastel, less vivid | Bright and varied |
| Aggression | Moderate | High |
An ideal companion for your aquarium
As a pet shop floor manager, I can't recommend these little marvels highly enough. The bettas splendens females are perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. With a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years (sometimes up to 5!), they'll be with you for a long time to come.
Don't forget to decorate their habitat with dense plants, hiding places and floating plants. They'll love exploring this little aquatic jungle you've created for them. And who knows, maybe, like me, you'll spend hours watching them, fascinated by their grace and unique personality.
So, are you ready to welcome these little water queens into your home? I assure you, once you've tasted the charm of the bettas splendens femalesyou won't be able to live without it!
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