Male crowntail betta fish add flair and visual interest to any aquarium, though it should be kept isolated unless breeding conditions arise. These natural born fighters will tear, bite, push, and bully any tank mates that cross their path; even smaller tank mates could potentially become victims due to trailing fins!
Crowntails are one of the most widely available varieties of "Siamese fighting fish" available at pet stores, often used as fighting fish for combat sports like boxing or fighting in water tanks. Though similar in appearance, crowntails stand out with their distinctive caudal fin that features spiked fin rays for added spikiness reminiscent of an almost comb-like shape and reduced webbing between fin rays giving this variety their crowntail name.
These fish can reach 2.5 inches in length and come in an array of vibrant hues - shimmering blues, fiery reds and even dark shades of green with metallic shimmer are among their many hues. Males tend to display more vivid hues compared to their counterparts while both will still feature those distinctive fins that create that spiky, separate appearance.
Although Crowntail Betta fish are one of the most sought-after species of betta fish, novice owners should wait at least two years of experience before adding one to your aquarium. As these aggressive creatures tend to fin rot easily, keeping clean water is key and an easier task with larger tanks; you should change out its contents once every two days while feeding your betta once daily with freeze-dried bloodworms or brine shrimp treats as rewards for good behavior.