Elephant Ear Betta

The Elephant Ear Betta, or Betta anabatoides, is a species of fish native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its unique appearance and peaceful nature.

Appearance

The Elephant Ear Betta is easily recognizable by its large, fan-like fins. Its body is usually a dark brown or black color, with a white or yellowish stripe running along its back. Its fins are usually a bright yellow or orange color, and can reach up to 8 inches in length.

Habitat

The Elephant Ear Betta is found in slow-moving rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. It prefers shallow, warm waters with plenty of vegetation.

Lifespan

The Elephant Ear Betta can live up to 5 years in captivity. Read more: Lifespan of a Betta Fish in Captivity.

Care and Keeping

The Elephant Ear Betta is a relatively easy fish to care for. It requires an aquarium of at least 10 gallons, with a temperature between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The aquarium should be well-planted with natural plants and decorations to provide hiding places and places to explore.

  • Aquarium Size: This species needs a minimum of 10 gallons of water to be healthy and happy. But the larger the tank, the better, as it needs plenty of space to swim and explore.
  • Required Quantity: Trying to keep two or more of these fish in the same tank is not recommended, as they can become aggressive with each other.
  • Temperature and Acidity: For the Elephant Ear Betta to thrive, the temperature should be between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH level of 6.5-7.5.
  • Natural Plants and Decoration: Make sure to include plenty of live plants, rocks, and driftwood in the tank. Not only will this species love to explore and hide among them, they also serve as an attractive decoration.

By providing the right setup, you can enjoy the beauty and personality of the Elephant Ear Betta for years to come. Follow these care and keeping requirements to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your fish.

See also: How Does Betta Fish Reproduce?

Compatibility with Other Fish

The Elephant Ear Betta is a peaceful fish and can be kept with other peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, and other small fish. It should not be kept with aggressive fish such as cichlids or other bettas.

  1. Neon Tetra: This tiny, tranquil fish is an astounding partner for the Elephant Ear Betta. They are both small, peaceful fish that can exist amicably in a similar tank.
  2. Guppies: Guppies are another extraordinary companion for the Elephant Ear Betta. They are small, vivid fish that can add a great deal of life to the tank.
  3. Corydoras Catfish: The Corydoras Catfish is a peaceful base occupant that can help keep the tank clean. It is an incredible expansion to any tank, and it is perfect with the Elephant Ear Betta.
  4. White Cloud Mountain Minnow: The White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a small, peaceful fish that is an incredible expansion to any tank. It is viable with the Elephant Ear Betta, and it can help keep the tank perfect.
  5. Dwarf Gourami: The Dwarf Gourami is a small, peaceful fish that is an extraordinary partner for the Elephant Ear Betta. They are both little, peaceful fish that can exist together in a similar tank.
  6. Platy: The Platy is a little, peaceful fish that is an incredible partner for the Elephant Ear Betta. They are both little, peaceful fish that can exist together in a similar tank.
  7. Harlequin Rasbora: The Harlequin Rasbora is a peaceful, tiny fish that makes a great companion for the Elephant Ear Betta. Both of these small, serene fish can live together in the same aquarium.
  8. Otocinclus Catfish: The Otocinclus Catfish is a peaceful, small fish that makes a great companion for the Elephant Ear Betta. Both of these tranquil, miniature fish can coexist peacefully in the same tank.
  9. Mollies: Mollies are a peaceful, small fish that makes a great companion for the Elephant Ear Betta. Both of these peaceful, tiny fish can live together in the same aquarium.
  10. Swordtails: Swordtails are a peaceful, small fish that makes a great companion for the Elephant Ear Betta. Both of these tranquil, miniature fish can coexist peacefully in the same tank.

Nutrition

The Elephant Ear Betta is an omnivore and should be fed a variety of foods such as flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live foods.

Breeding and Rearing

Here’s a step by step guide to a memorable breeding and rearing experience with Elephant Ear Betta.

Step 1: Find the Right Fish

When looking for your Elephant Ear Betta, pay attention to fish that are healthy and have striking coloration. Keep away from fish that show signs of disease or injury. Furthermore, look for fish that have a decent size and shape, as this will make it simpler to breed them.

Step 2: Setting Up the Tank

When setting up the tank for your Elephant Ear Betta, make sure to provide plenty of hiding spots and plants. This will help the fish feel secure and snug. Additionally, ensure that you provide a suitable filtration mechanism and maintain the water temperature between 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Introducing the Fish

Once the tank is set up, you can introduce the fish to each other. Make sure to do this slowly, as the fish may be aggressive towards each other. If the fish seem to be getting along, you can move on to the next step.

Step 4: Spawning

When the fish are ready to spawn, you will need to provide them with a spawning mop or a spawning cave. This will give the fish a place of refuge to lay their eggs. Once the eggs have been laid, you can remove the mop or cave and let the fish take care of the eggs.

Step 5: Raising the Fry

Once the eggs have hatched, you will need to provide the fry with food and a clean environment. Make sure to feed them a high-quality food and keep the water clean. You should also provide plenty of hiding places for the fry to retreat to and keep safe from predators.

Step 6: Caring for the Fish

Once the fry have grown into adults, you will need to provide them with regular care and maintenance. Make sure to feed them a high-quality food and keep the water clean. You should also provide plenty of hiding places for the fish to feel secure and to show off their unique beauty.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for something singular and gorgeous to add to your aquarium, the Elephant Ear Betta is your ideal selection. These fish are renowned for their broad fins and brilliant hues, making them an amazing addition to any aquarium. Not only are they visually pleasing, but they are also fairly uncomplicated to take care of, making them an excellent pick for novice aquarists.

Reyus Mammadli/ author of the article

I have had pets since childhood: cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese, chickens, ducks, parrots, aquarium fish and dogs (in the yard). Of course, I constantly encountered diseases of pets and treated them. Glad to be able to share my skills and experience, as well as advice on caring for and adapting these critters and birds.

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