Characteristics

One of the rarest and most attractive betta fish, which is not easily found in a pet store is elephant ear betta fish, it is also called dumbo betta. The scientific name is betta splendens native from the southeast Asia Mekong Delta region, and mostly discovered near Thailand, or Vietnam.

The elephant ear betta is different from others because of their pectoral fins that have long fins and ears. Males are available in a variety of colors than females. The color is not sufficient to predicate the gender they also have the size of the body and fin considered to determine sex.

Females have a bit shorter and wider body than male betta. Male have more elegant bodies that flatter side by side. females have longer fins, which are longer than three to four times to body. A mature female has a special spot between the anal and ventral fin which is called egg spot. The ovipositor worked to lay the egg, male rarely showed egg spots.

Elephant ear betta is water fish so they prefer to live in warm environments with a temperature range between 75- 82 F (24 to 28 C). They like acidic water, and the pH value is between 6.0 to 8.0. the hardness should be 5- 20dH. They can grow up to 2-3 inches. And average life span is 1-5 years.

A special organ which is known as the labyrinth organ using this the betta can breathe outside the air, swallowing it on the water's surface. Because of the labyrinth organ which acts like human lungs, because of this betta survive outside the water sometimes.

Elephant ear betta are carnivores, so serve them different food like animal protein and leaves. You can serve them a high-quality commercial pellet which is loaded with animal protein will be a basic Meal. You can offer frozen dried food or live food. You can offer them foods like flakes, granules, and pellets, and also include frozen and live food such as artemia and blood worms. Don’t overfeed them. Overfeeding leads to obesity and a swim bladder. Properly supply vitamin-rich diet which increases immunity system.

The ICUN list of the elephant ear betta is precious fish. Most of their natural habitat is polluted because of human activity.