Here at FurBallFun.com we typically focus on our furry friends with four legs (say that four times fast-ha). But every once in a while, someone asks about the aquatic inhabitants. In particular, a lot of questions come to us concerning the Betta Fish, and no other is more enchanting than the beautiful Purple Betta Fish.
While we normally refer fish questions to our friends over at fishkeepingwisdom.com, the lure of learning more about the purple betta is too great of a catch to resist.
So let’s dive into this comprehensive guide for everything there is to know about the Purple Betta Fish!
The Exquisite And Rare Purple Betta Fish: A Complete Overview
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. With their vibrant colors and flowing fins, they are a sight to behold.
Among the many colors available, purple betta fish stand out for their unique and captivating beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of purple betta fish and answer some of the most common questions about them.
Purple betta fish are often referred to as “Siamese Fighting Fish” due to their aggressive nature towards other bettas. In the wild, bettas are territorial and will often fight with other bettas over their territory or a mate. When two male bettas encounter each other, they will typically flare their gills and fins to appear larger and more intimidating. They may then attack each other by biting and flaring their fins to establish dominance.
This aggressive behavior was noticed by the people of Siam, now known as Thailand, who began to breed and train the fish for fighting purposes. In fact, betta fish fighting became a popular pastime in Siam, and people would bet on the outcome of the fights. Eventually, the practice spread to other parts of the world, and today, betta fighting is still a popular activity in some countries, although it is illegal in many places.
It’s important to note that bettas can have aggressive behavior towards other fish. With proper care and a well-planned aquarium setup, they can coexist peacefully with other non-aggressive fish.
However, if you plan to keep multiple bettas together, it’s important to not put two males in the same aquarium and give each fish plenty of space while monitoring them closely for any signs of aggression.
Setting Up And Maintaining A Purple Betta Fish Tank
Betta Splendens, commonly known as betta fish, are popular tropical fish that come in a variety of vibrant colors, including purple. If you’re interested in keeping a purple betta fish as a pet, it’s important to understand how to properly set up and maintain their tank to ensure they are happy and healthy.
Bettas are known to be territorial creatures that require ample space to thrive in their environment. Keeping them in a small tank can cause stress and lead to aggressive behavior.
Setting up and maintaining a purple betta fish tank requires proper tank size, filtration, water quality, decorations, and feeding. As a betta fish keeper, it’s essential to acclimate new water and ensure that the fish are happy and healthy in their natural environment. With the right care and attention, betta fish can be enjoyable pets for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.
Tank Size And Filtration
Betta fish are freshwater fish that can live in tanks as small as one gallon of water, but a larger tank will provide a more natural environment for the fish to swim and thrive.
Fishkeepingwisdom.com recommends a minimum tank size of 5 gallons being necessary but goes on to explain that experienced Betta fishkeepers suggest providing at least a 10-gallon tank to ensure the fish has enough space.
A tank smaller than 5 gallons is not recommended as it does not provide sufficient room for the Betta to swim around and explore.
If a Betta feels cramped in their tank, they may become stressed and even try to bite you. By providing a spacious tank, you can help ensure your Betta is happy and less likely to act out.
Filtration is essential to maintain water quality and to prevent ammonia and nitrate build-up. Betta fish prefer a slow flow in the tank, so choose a filter that won’t create a strong current.
Water Quality And Temperature
Betta fish are sensitive to water chemistry, so it’s important to condition the water before adding it to the tank. Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine, and monitor the temperature with a thermometer to keep it between 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Betta fish are labyrinth fish, which means they have an organ that allows them to breathe air directly from the surface, so aeration is not necessary. However, a bubble nest may indicate that your betta fish is happy and healthy.
Tank Decorations And Live Plants
Betta fish enjoy having a hiding place, so include decorations like silk plants, hammocks, and caves in the tank. Live plants can also provide a natural environment and help with water quality by reducing algae and absorbing nitrates. Java fern, anubias, and moss balls are great live plant options for betta fish tanks.
Feeding And Tank Mates
Betta fish are carnivores and can be fed a diet of pellets, freeze-dried or live food like brine shrimp and blood worms. However, overfeeding can lead to health problems like fin rot and constipation.
Avoid keeping other colorful fish like guppies, neon tetras, and tiger barbs in the same tank as bettas, as they may nip at their fins.
Female betta fish can be kept together in a sorority, but make sure the tank is large enough and has enough hiding places for them to establish a pecking order. Snails and shrimp can also be compatible tank mates for bettas.
Are Purple Bettas Rare?
While not as common as some other colors, purple betta fish are not necessarily rare, but not always easy to find at your typical pet store. I called over 20 plus fish stores in North Carolina and the surrounding area and none had a Purple Betta Fish in stock.
With that said, they can be found in many pet stores and online shops that specialize in aquarium fish. However, not all purple bettas are created equal. Some are more vibrant and striking than others, depending on the specific strain and breeding.
What Is The Rarest Color Betta?
The rarest color of betta fish could arguably be a pure purple color. But this is due to the likelihood that finding a pure purple is hard to come by. Most purple betta fish have multiple pigments of coloring mixed in, making them less pure purple.
Other rare colors include pure white betta. These fish have no pigment and appear completely white, which is a rare genetic trait. While some may appear to be white, they may have some faint coloring or markings, which disqualifies them from being considered pure white.
What Betta Fish Is The Rarest?
The rarest type of betta fish is the wild betta, also known as the Betta Mahachai. This fish is native to Thailand and is endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and overfishing. They are rarely found in pet stores and are typically only available through specialized breeders.
What Kind Of Purple Bettas Are There?
There are several different types of purple bettas, each with their own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular include the lavender betta, which has a light purple hue, and the metallic purple betta, which has a shiny, almost iridescent, appearance. Other types include the orchid betta, which has a deep purple color with hints of blue, and the royal purple betta, which has a rich, regal hue.
What Makes Purple Bettas So Rare?
The rarity of pure purple betta fish can be attributed to their genetic makeup, as they are not a naturally occurring color. Rather, they are the product of selective breeding. The exquisite purple hue is the result of a rare genetic mutation that occurs randomly, making it a matter of luck to produce a pure purple betta.
Although breeding blue, pink, and red bettas increases the likelihood of obtaining this mutation, it’s impossible to guarantee the desired outcome.
Even blue-purple bettas, which are slightly more common, are still rare due to the same reason. Consequently, there is no way to improve the chances of breeding a pure purple betta.
How Much Does A Purple Betta Fish Cost?
The cost of a purple betta fish can be higher compared to the average betta fish due to their rarity. The price range also depends on whether you are looking for a blue-purple or true purple betta.
Blue-purple bettas can be found for around $20 from most sellers, making them slightly more expensive than the average betta fish. On the other hand, pure purple bettas can be much more expensive and are difficult to find. As these fish are rare specimens, the cost of a pure purple betta can be at least several hundred dollars.
Caring For Your Betta Fish
While we may not be fish care experts, we recommend turning to trusted sources for advice on caring for your purple betta fish.
Fishkeepingwisdom.com has a wealth of articles on the topic and can provide valuable insights to ensure your betta thrives in its tank.
If you are fortunate enough to own a purple betta fish, it’s crucial to educate yourself about its care and specific needs. Some important areas to focus on include the following topics
- Maintaining The Proper Water Temperature For Betta Fish
- Transferring Your Fish From Its Cup To Its Tank Correctly
- Betta Fish Dietary Needs
Dive into the World of Betta Fish: Exploring the Captivating Beauty of Purple Bettas
Purple betta fish are a beautiful and enchanting addition to any aquarium. While not the rarest type of betta fish, they are still highly sought after for their unique coloring and striking appearance.
Whether you’re a seasoned aquarium enthusiast or just starting out, a purple betta fish is sure to make a stunning and captivating addition to your collection.
At FurBallFun, we have a deep appreciation for the diversity of life on this planet, and we believe that every creature, no matter how big or small, deserves our love and care. Our passion for animals extends to the enchanting world of betta fish, and we believe that these beautiful creatures are truly a wonder to behold.
Until Next Time,
Harvey!
