Biggest Betta Fish in the World: Facts and Overview

Betta fish are popular aquarium fish and can be found in many different colors and sizes. They are native to Southeast Asia and can live in small streams and ponds. Betta fish are peaceful fish that can be kept in a small tank with other similar-sized fish or they can be kept in a larger tank with other types of fish.

There are many different betta species, but what is considered the biggest betta species is the giant betta fish (Betta anabatoides). This species can grow to be quite large, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to four inches and weighing up to 8.8 grams. They prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with a moderate to a high level of dissolved oxygen and a temperature range of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 26 degrees Celsius). They are also very active and playful fish and make great additions to any home aquarium.

Facts About Giant Betta Fish

Appearance

Giant betta fish, like all Betta species, come in many different colors and forms. They have a broad, rounded body and a long, slender tail. They are usually a dark green or black color, but can also be colorful. Some of the most common colors created by these fish include blue-green or yellow bodies with red fins. The color of their scales varies from white to brown and from black to greenish-yellow. Their dorsal fins are also similar colorations, ranging anywhere from bright orange or purple to dull gold-colored bands sprinkled throughout the very dark green fins.

Typical Behavior

Clamp their jaws shut when they are not eating and you will see some of the most interesting behavior in any species. When startled by a human or another animal, betta fish can also make a small chirping sound. They don’t always eat with this “squeak,” but it is still an extremely noticeable noise that is unique to these catfishes. They are known for their colorful scales and playful behavior. Betta fish are social animals and will typically live in groups. They are also known for their ability to “jiggle” their fins to communicate with one another.

Lifespan

They can live up to 2-5 years. To tell if a giant betta fish is aging, you can look for subtle changes in its appearance. Its scales may become less smooth, its body may start to sag, and its eyes may become cloudy. They can also stretch their bodies into a more oval shape, which makes it harder for the fish to keep the fins tucked in. Bettas are generally quite slow-moving and become less active as they age. While some choose not to breed these gorgeous fishes because of health risks associated with breeding them over time, many others continue raising this type of betta fish even after becoming very old.

Aquarium Setup

Giant Betta fish are not very difficult or demanding to set up in an aquarium. They need a tank no smaller than 35 gallons and should be kept in groups of 6-12, with room for enough swimming space that allows each betta to swim away from all other members of their group if they become stressed by the environment. They prefer to live in a tank with plenty of vegetation and a good hiding spot. Their hardy nature means that these fish can easily handle water temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 26 degrees Celsius). Bettas should not be housed with other aggressive fish as they can become territorial.

Water Quality

The water for the giant betta should be kept clean and well-maintained. Change out 15% of your water every week, or choose to use a larger sized aquarium than recommended (instead of running the filter at half capacity). You may also put in some carbon filtration if fish excrete waste that needs to be removed from their tank before it harms other inhabitants.

Food and Feeding

The giant betta fish is carnivorous and will eat a variety of food items, including flakes, pellets, and small pieces of frozen food. They should be fed three to five times a day, according to the brand of fish food used. Betta fish are also very social and will display some entertaining behaviors when hungry. Giant Bettas are also prey to other more aggressive fish and can be housed with some small non-aggressive tankmates.

Tankmates

Speaking of suitable tankmates, many betta fish enthusiasts keep multiple betta fish in their tanks, but what about tank mates? Do betta fish prefer to live with other types of fish, or is there one specific fish that they prefer to live with? Generally speaking, betta fish do not typically get along well with other types of fish. While some may get along fine, others may become aggressive and start to fight. It is generally recommended that betta fish be kept with only their kind, or at the very least, a species of fish that they are familiar with.

Domestic Care

Some people keep these fish in small tanks, but others keep them in much larger ones with lots of plants and rocks. The biggest betta fish in the world is usually the one who eats the most, so they need plenty of room to swim and hide.  Cleaning the tank and providing a substrate that is safe for betta fish can be quite time-consuming.

Breeding

Generally, breeding giant bettas require a large tank with plenty of hiding places and a good filter. There is no doubt that the giant betta fish is one of the most popular fish in the world. They are easy to keep, colorful, and very active. However, breeding them can be a bit more challenging than other fish. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Purchase a large aquarium with a good filtration system.
• Introduce the male and female Bettas into the aquarium.
• Monitor the Bettas closely and make sure they have enough room to swim.
• Feed the Bettas a balanced diet of fresh vegetables and small fish.
• Keep the aquarium clean and free of debris.