Male Halfmoon Betta

The Male Halfmoon Betta (Betta splendens) is one of the most stunning and popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. They are named for their magnificent tail fin, which opens up to form a perfect, crisp 180-degree semi-circle (resembling a half-moon) when they flare.

Quick Overview & Care Guide

Attribute	Specification
Care Level	Easy to Moderate (Fragile fins require specific care)
Temperament	Semi-aggressive & highly territorial (Keep solo)
Lifespan	2 to 4 years
Minimum Tank Size	5 gallons (ignore marketing bowls/jars)
Water Temperature	75°F to 86°F (Heater required)
Diet	Carnivore (Pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp)

Key Traits & Behaviors

The "Labyrinth" Organ: Like all bettas, Halfmoons possess a specialized organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric air directly from the water's surface.
Heavy Fins: Because their fins are so large and heavy, they are prone to exhaustion. They require low-flow filtration (like a sponge filter) so they aren't constantly fighting a current
Intelligent and Curious: They are surprisingly smart. They will recognize their owners, learn feeding schedules, and actively explore their tank layouts.
Sleeping Patterns: They are diurnal (active during the day, sleep at night). Don't be alarmed if you see them resting completely sideways or flat on a broad leaf—they love taking heavy naps!

Tank Setup Essentials

Filter: Use a gentle, adjustable filter. Heavy currents will shred or stress a Halfmoon Betta.
Decor: Avoid sharp plastic plants or jagged rocks. Their delicate fins tear incredibly easily. Stick to live plants (like Anubias or Java Fern) or silk plants.
Tank Mates: Never house two males together, as they will fight to the death. They can sometimes cohabitate with peaceful, short-finned bottom dwellers (like Corydoras catfish) if the tank is large enough, but keeping them solo is always safest.