Characteristics

A betta has discovered 70+ species, halfmoon is one of them. They are mostly found in freshwater fish native to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia region of southeast Asia. As for geography, they are also discovered in British Columbia. Most commonly they prefer to live in shallow water which is near the Channel Islands.

Half moons of betta were found depth in the water column over rock. Their habitats include areas around kelp beds, floating kelp pads, rocky reefs, and oil rig structures. Sometimes they are found on the surface of the water, their depth is 3- 40m (9-130 ft).

Halfmoon betta have a stunning physical appearance, they have a football-shaped body which is compressed side by side in oval shapes. Betta have round heads and small mouths which have single rows of pointed teeth and blunt fins. Their caudal fin has a shallow curve, smooth, and scales small, rough, and thick. The half-moon betta back color is a dark blue or blue-grey color which faded and showed lighter blue toward a silver belly.

Halfmoon betta generally prefers a carnivore’s diet. Their primary diet consists of kelp and red and green algae. They are foodie, eating different types of small invertebrates such as anemones, crustaceans, and sponges.

Halfmoon betta are sexually active when they are about 20cm(8 in) in length around 2 years of age.the ideal breeding period of the betta is July –October.

Generally, the halfmoon is considered a schooling fish. Adult half-moons are found far away from their natural habitat. The one-year Halfmoon size is as small as 1 inch longer when they are the outer edges of kelp beds.

Halfmoon coloration allows them to blend with their surrounding water. Fish near the offshore islands are deeper blue than found fish near shore. A betta is displayed in light color shades, the base solid color covers the upper with darker color on the top of their bodies, combining lighter blue and silver on the up and down side of the body.

Halfmoon betta generally leaves in 8 – 10 years. They are mature at the age of 2 years. Halfmoon betta predators are seals, large fish, and marine birds on Santa Catalina island. They are taken as a by-catch by the commercial perch fisheries and sold fresh in the fish market. Human activity destroys their habitat.