Betta fish are low maintenance, beautiful fish that can add personality and interest to your life or home. Often called Siamese fighting fish, Betta's are vibrant fish that can survive without the help of a filter or expensive aquarium filter, and they are the only fish that can do so well.
Contrary to popular belief, goldfish do require filters to survive, although they can live shortened lives (by about 70%) in simple bowls. In my more naive days, I still believed the cartoons that portrayed happily swimming goldfish. It was a very Dr. Suess-esque dream that was shattered upon the rapid succession of goldfish terminations that I suffered. Calypso, Cinnibar and all the rest weighed heavily on my conscience until I discovered betta fish, more specifically, Halfmoon Betta Fish.
Halfmoon Betta Fish
Halfmoon betta fish are one of the rarest species of betta fish and weren't bred until the late 1980's. They are considered one of the prettiest species due to their often unusual coloring and 180 degree, fan-like tail. However, this can also make them somewhat expensive. I paid 13.99 for my halfmoon male betta, but it was worth it. He's a handsome fish and I've grown quite attached to him.
Because of breeding efforts and the newness of the variety of bettas, they can be somewhat more susceptible to fish diseases, like ich. However, these diseases can be easily treated with medicines purchased at your local pet stores.
Another unique attribute posessed by halfmoon's is their lack of aggression. Most betta's are known for their fighting flare and killer ways. Halfmoon Betta fish may still fight each other for a female, but they will be less likely to fight and less likely to kill or maim one another, which makes owning them a little less worrisome as you aren't as likely to lose your investment.
 | live Tropical Fish-blue white feather tail halfmoon betta H17 last batch
Current Bid: $41.00
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 | #08 Male Feather Tail HM Halfmoon Betta Lavender Red & White Live Fighting Fish
Current Bid: $9.99
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 | live Tropical Fish-Neon orange blue halfmoon Betta C18 huge tail last batch
Current Bid: $43.00
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Buying a Halfmoon Betta
Betta fish can be bought in three different ways:
- Ordered Online
- Purchased at a Pet Store
- Purchased From a Friend or Local Breeder
Since Halfmoon betta fish tend to be rare and more expensive, pet stores are not likely to have them. I managed to find my halfmoon, Artemis, at Petco one afternoon, but they sell out quickly as they are highly valued. Finding one at a pet store is very lucky.
Local breeders may also be in short supply, depending on where you are located, so your best bet for acquiring a Halfmoon is online from a reputable source. Make sure you investigate the website or E-bay seller (as many Halfmoon Bettas are sold on E-bay) to ensure that your fish will arrive healthy. If you can, buy from a reputable website versus a single breeder, since they can offer you more standard return policies or refunds.
Be aware that ordering a Halfmoon online is expensive, especially if you are planning to breed them. The cost of a breeding pair runs, on average, about 80 dollars. And that's excluding shipping and handling, which can be even higher if your fish supplier is located overseas, as many of them are.
Female Halfmoon's will be more expensive since they will be the ones to return your investment. The average cost of a female Halfmoon betta (depending on how exotic she looks) will run around 40 dollars. However, once you take a look at some of the Halfmoon Bettas available, the cost is easily understood; these fish are simply exquisite.
Artemis's fish bowl. Artemis is located at the bottom center of the bowl. Taking close-up pictures of a fish is surprisingly difficult. Photo Source: Shanna11
Betta Fish Bowls
How much space do Halfmoon Betta fish need? Various employees at Petco, Petsmart and Walmart told me that a single betta fish will do just fine in a half gallon of water. My roommates used to have two betta fish that shared less than this, but I reccommend against it, purely for the health and sanity of your fish.
Betta fish should have plenty of space to swim around in, and a simple gallon bowl per fish is both humane and realistic. The bowl pictured above was about eight dollars, holds a gallon water and even came with fish food, water conditioner, pebbles and fake plant.
When you bring your betta home, have the tank ready and filled about halfway with water. You should let the water sit and either warm up or cool down until it is room temperature. Add two or three drops of water conditioner. This is important for the health of your betta. Acclimate him or her slowly to the bowl to avoid shock or death. Monitor your fish for the next two weeks for signs of distress or illness and make sure you know the return policy for your fish. Petco has a 30 day guarantee should your halfmoon betta die.
Betta Fish Diseases
Betta fish are pretty hardy, but they can be suscpetible to diseases, and often, Betta fish bought from large pet store chains or overseas can come with diseases or compromised immune systems.
I always refer to this website when Artemis starts looking or acting strange. Remember, a healthy betta will have the following characteristics:
- Bright, vibrant color
- Smooth, gliding movements
- Healthy appetite
- Smooth, clean and unblemished
- Tails and fins are not drooping
Don't lose your betta or the money you spent on it! Buying expensive medications online is not necissary for most betta illnesses. Your local pet store chain will most likely be able to help diagnose your betta or suggest an appropriate medication that they have on their shelves.
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