Koi Betta - Male

Koi bettas are not a different species of betta from other bettas. They’re still Betta spendens (also known as Siamese fighting fish). However, they’ve been bred to have colouring similar to that of a koi fish, just in a smaller, more home-aquarium-friendly size. Compared to other bettas, Koi bettas also tend to be short-finned more often than long-finned. Koi bettas can reach up to 3 inches long, which is the same size as regular bettas. 

The betta nickname of Siamese fighting fish comes from the tendency of bettas to be highly territorial and aggressive. Koi betta temperament is no different than that of other bettas. You will never want to house two male koi bettas together because they will often fight to the death. Housing a single male and single female koi betta together can also result in death from aggressive mating chases. Bettas are best kept alone. However, if want to try housing them with others, it’s best to keep them with peaceful, tropical fish with dull colors and short fins. You wouldn’t want to house them with any fish that they could mistake for a rival betta fish, like an endler guppy. 

Tank conditions should be as follows: 

• pH: 6.0 to 8.0
• Water hardness: soft water
• Tank size: 3 gallons minimum
• Temperature: 75°-84°. Bettas are tropical fish, and unheated tanks stress the fish, making them more susceptible to disease and shortening their lifespans.
• Plants: Koi bettas like planted tanks. If you house them with other fish, plants give them a place to hide. Hardy plants like anubias, java ferns, cabomba, and water sprite are great choices. Floating plants like duck weed are also a good option.
• Water movement: Filters should provide minimal water movement to mimic their natural habitat. Frequent water changes suffice in nano tanks instead of filters.