Bettas are some of the most popular fish kept in the home. Due to their bright coloration and lively antics, they are a favorite among aquarists. Bettas are native to south east Asia, particularly Thailand and Malaysia.
There are several different varieties of betta, one of which is the alien betta. Unlike most bettas, which have a deep and rounded body shape, the alien betta has an oval shaped body and fins that stick out straight from the body.
Origin of the Alien Betta
The origins of the Alien betta are unknown. It is possible that it was a natural mutation, but there are no records to support this. It's more likely that it was created by crossbreeding several other species or breeds of fish. The alien betta does not have any wild counterparts, nor is it used in the aquarium trade.
How to Identify an Alien Betta
An unusual, egg-shaped body with long fins that stick out straight from the sides distinguishes an alien betta fish. Alien Betta fish are frequently black or dark brown in color, with a bright metallic sheen. It has a beautiful iridescence and design.
Alien Betta Genetics
Alien bettas are a mongrelization of different wild betta species, and they are considered a form of hybrid wildness. The "Alien" has a complete facial mask, spread iridescence that blankets the fins and the body, and webbing on the caudal fins. The color of Blue Betta fish is caused by a Betta fish with a Homozygous metallic gene over a Heterozygous iridescent gene.
Homozygous means that the alleles are identical, whereas heterozygous implies that the allele pairs aren't exactly alike. This is useful knowledge to bear in mind while breeding your Alien Betta fish: if both parents possess the iridescent allele, all their fry will be iridescent. If one parent possesses a Metallic allele and the other an Iridescent allele, half of their fry will be Metallic and half will be iridescent.
Size
The standard size of an Alien betta is 2 inches to 3 inches. However, there are smaller and larger versions of the fish. The smallest variety of the alien betta grows to approximately 1 inch in length. Although it is bred with fins that are straighter than other varieties, it cannot be called an "alien betta" because its body shape is not unique.
A kind of betta named 'Thai flag betta' are bigger than Alien Betta. The Thai flag betta has a length of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches, whereas an Alien Betta fish can grow up to 2 to 3 inches long and can live in captivity for up to four years if properly cared for.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of an alien betta is typically 3 to 5 years. However, there are reports of some living up to 7 or more years in captivity!
Tank Condition
The Alien Betta can survive in a tank as little as 5 gallons if it is properly prepared. But if you want to keep it in a larger tank, that's fine too. It is important for these fish to have some space to be able to swim around and play.
Keep in mind, though, that the water conditions will change considerably more quickly in tiny tanks. You'd need to keep an eye on a tiny tank much more frequently than a larger one. If you want to keep your Alien Betta with other fish, you'll need a bigger aquarium.
While they are typically a peaceful species, the males can become aggressive with one another when they are in mating mode. It is best to keep only one male betta per tank or else all of them will fight and stress each other out.
Alien bettas need an aquarium heater as well. They like temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a consistent temperature in your fish tank toward the higher end of this range will keep your Bettas more active, produce brighter colors, and make them more likely to breed.
Betta fish can tolerate a wider range of pH levels and water hardness than other tropical fish, but it is still a good idea to try and maintain these levels within the recommended range.
Tank Decor
Betta fish reside in natural habitats that are full of vegetation in the wild. They consume microscopic invertebrates that dwell in these settings. It's best to simulate the Betta fish's natural environment when setting up an aquarium.
Driftwood is another excellent choice for Betta tanks since they emit tannins over time. In nature, Betta fish like to spawn in plants like Java fern, Anubias, and moss. These plants are very easy to grow at home with the proper lighting conditions.
It is very important to note that Bettas are labyrinth fish. This means they can breathe air directly from the surface of the water! Because of this, you must make sure to provide your Betta with an aquarium hood that has adequate ventilation or else it will die. While decorating your Betta tank, keep in mind that their fins are very delicate. Bettas prefer to live in tanks where there is plenty of cover for them to hide if they feel threatened.
Social Behavior
Alien Betta fish are generally peaceful creatures, especially when housed with other betta fish. However, it is not uncommon for them to become aggressive towards each other if kept in too small an area or with unfamiliar tank mates. Males should not be kept together and many aquarists recommend keeping a lone alien betta fish instead of two.
Tankmates
Like any other bettas, Alien bettas can also become aggressive at times. If you want to keep your alien betta with other fish in the same tank, make sure you choose appropriate tank mates for them. Bettas are generally compatible with most peaceful community fish.
Always remember to avoid adding any fin ripping or aggressive fish to the tank. If you do choose to house multiple aliens together, it is best to have a ratio of one male betta to two or three female betta. The males should not be put together, or they will fight.
There are certain fishes that get along well with bettas in general. These would include:
Dwarf Gouramis - The Dwarf Gourami is usually a very peaceful fish that get along well with Betta Fish. They can be housed in a larger tank without any issues since the betta would get aggressive only if it is breeding season. |
Rasboras - Most of the Betta fish species are compatible with the Rasbora Harlequin Tusk and the Rasbora Hengeli Betta. These species show very peaceful and mild behavior and can even be kept in a community tank with other small peaceful fish without any issues |
Platies - Platies are not at all aggressive and would make a great addition to the tank if you want to include other fish without worrying about aggression. |
Tetras - Tetras are very peaceful in nature and generally get along well with Betta fish. Many aquarists have found success when housing Neon tetra, cardinal tetra, black neon tetra, Glowlight tetra, Congo tetra, and the tiger barb with betta fish. |
Guppies - Guppies are among the most peaceful fish that you can keep with a betta. They have an interesting behavior of hiding in plants and stones, so they tend to occupy a spot where your Betta might find its prey. |
Hammer Head Shark - The Hammer head shark is one of the best tankmates for Betta fish. They are extremely peaceful and would actually play with your betta fish. |
Danios - Danios are very peaceful in nature and would do well with the betta fish. Some of them may nip at your Betta's fins but they generally get along quite well together. |
Shrimps - Shrimps are another great option for tankmates since they play a very important role in the ecosystem of the tank. They also tend to ward off algae growth, which is always welcome! |
Kuhli Loaches - Kuhli loaches are a bottom-dwelling fish that would do great with Betta. They can even be kept in a community tank where the bettas generally behave rather than go after other inhabitants. |
Make sure not to include any aggressive or fin-nipping fish as tankmates for your betta. These would include Tiger Barbs, Cichlids, Mollies and any Bottom feeders. Dwarf Shrimp is also considered a poor choice. These are only a few of the fish that are not compatible with bettas.
Can Alien Bettas Be Kept in Pairs?
In reality, several female bettas may be maintained together. If you want to breed Alien Betta fish, keep a few females in with your male so that when he is ready to spawn, there is a lady available for him to spawn with.
Feeding
Bettas are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and meat. In the wild, Betta fish typically eat small insects, invertebrates, and even other smaller fish. In an aquarium setting, it's a good idea to feed your bettas with protein-rich foods. This is good for their fins which are known to fray easily in captivity.
What Do Alien Bettas Eat?
What Not to Feed Them:
Although betta fish will eat almost any meat product, it should be stated that it is very important to avoid feeding your Betta anything with high levels of mercury. These include: Cucumbers Shrimp Prawns Lobster Squid Octopus Tuna Swordfish Goldfish Pollock Bass Don't forget that Bettas are carnivores! They need high levels of protein in their diet. If you feed your betta fish on a regular basis, they can live up to 5 years or more in captivity.
How Often Should I Feed My Betta?
Since bettas are carnivorous animals, they require food on a daily basis. About three or four small pinches of food would be enough to sustain your betta fish's appetite for the day. If you feed them less, their metabolism will slow down and their growth rate will also decrease.
Feeding your Betta too much can result in bloating which can lead to disease. Ideally, it is best not to change your betta's diet abruptly to avoid digestive problems.
What Is the Best Way to Feed My Betta Fish?
The best way to feed your Betta is by using a pair of tongs or a feeding stick. This will prevent you from getting bitten while also allowing you to increase the distance between yourself and your betta. It is important that you do not hand feed your betta because they may bite you. Your Betta will only misinterpret that as an act of aggression which can lead to serious consequences for both parties involved.
Diseases
Like any other animal, bettas can fall victim to several kinds of diseases. This can be due to a number of reasons, some of which include a dirty tank, a mutated strain of a parasite or bacteria, or even stress. These diseases can be classified into three main categories: parasitic, bacterial, and fungal. Parasitic Infections are caused by parasites.
Parasites tend to have a complex life cycle which means that their stages of development can vary depending on the host species they choose. Fungal Infections are caused by fungi or yeasts. They cause abnormalities in the skin, fins, and gills of your betta fish which can lead to secondary bacterial infections. Bacterial Infections are caused by a number of different types bacteria. All of them cause severe damage to the skin, fins, and gills of your betta fish.
Bettas are very resilient creatures. Each betta fish is given unique features that enable it to take on diseases in their own way. For this reason, all betta species have different types of disease resistance. The most common disease that your betta may contract includes:
Symptoms
The symptoms of a Alien betta fish’s illness can include: Rapid breathing Lethargy, or lack of energy Cloudy eyes Clamped fins Hanging at the water surface Itchiness Sluggishness Constipation Dropsy (bloating) and discoloration.
Providing Bettas an improper diet that lacks protein can lead to serious digestive problems. An excess of fat in their bodies can cause swim bladder disorder which makes it difficult for them to swim properly.
How Do I Prevent My Alien Betta Fish From Getting Sick?
The best way to keep your Alien betta fish from getting sick is by keeping a clean tank with properly maintained tank condition. Since these are sensitive creatures, it is important for you to check water quality regularly and carry out necessary changes in the aquarium.
It is also extremely important that you quarantine your Alien betta before introducing them into a fish tank. There is no telling if parasites or disease will be contracted during the time, they spend with fish breeders and animal shops. Even if your alien bettas seem perfectly healthy upon purchase, it is still best to quarantine them before letting them interact with other fish in the aquarium.
How Do I Treat My Alien Betta Fish if It Does Get Sick?
If you have detected any of the symptoms or illnesses listed above, it is best to isolate your Alien betta immediately. If left untreated, most diseases will lead to death within a few days. One of the best ways is to clean your Alien betta's tank and stop adding any new fish, plants, or any other décor. Bettas are labyrinth fishes which mean they breathe oxygen directly from the surface of the water.
Because of this it is extremely important that you provide your pet with adequate aeration in their tank to prevent suffocation when the disease progresses. Adding aquarium salt to the water can also reduce stress and boost your Alien betta's immune system. Medicine for bacterial infections like dropsy should be added directly to the tank while medicated food for internal parasites is best fed to your pet. Remember that it is always better to act early before things get worse.
Breeding Alien Bettas
The breeding cycle of the alien bettas is similar to that of other species of Betta fish. They, like others, are bubble-nesting breeders. A bubble nest for a betta fish is just what it sounds like: a group or "bubble" of bubbles that house the eggs and eventually the fry. Once the nest is complete, it will be about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and resemble a large raspberry stuck on top of the plant or rock.
This process begins when a male and female Alien betta fish are placed together in an enclosed space such as a small tank, and allowed to settle and become familiar with their surroundings. The tanks condition must be pristine and the water parameters must be completely stable.
The breeding process begins with the male Alien betta fish courtship dance. This is a kind of prelude to spawning that male engage in with females. The dance is really quite special and it exists only among Alien betta fish. It consists of the male swimming rapidly around his mate, attempting to entice her into a suitable spawning site where they will create their bubble nest.
Once she agrees, the male will lead her to the spot he has chosen. Once there, the male and female will begin to spawn. The eggs fall from her body and into the nest which he has created for them. As she lays the eggs, he fertilizes them with his milt (sperm).
Breeding Alien betta fish is an activity that entails certain risks. The biggest risk comes from the female betta fish eating her own fry after she has finished laying them. With this in mind, it is imperative to remove her as soon as possible once she has finished spawning.
Frequent Questions
What Happens to the Alien Betta Eggs?
The eggs, once fertilized, will become what are called "fry". These fries are very small and absolutely adorable! They need special care because their yolk sacs sustain them for at least a week following their birth. This is why it is important to keep the water temperature between 80 and 85 degrees, and to provide them with infusoria for food for this period of time.
The fry also needs very small things such as microworms or vinegar eels until they are large enough to eat newly hatched brine shrimp.
How Long Does It Take for the Eggs to Hatch?
On average,Alien betta fish eggs will hatch between three and five days after they have been laid. However, this does vary depending on temperatures and other factors. It is important to always keep an eye on your eggs so you can remove them immediately if anything goes wrong with them.
What Do I Need to Consider Before Breeding Alien Betta Fish?
When attempting to breed alien bettas there are certain water parameters that should be maintained if you want the best possible results. Although our goal as responsible betta fish breeders is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our pets, we must also ensure that we create conditions in the tank conducive to spawning.
The pH of the water should be about 7.0 or slightly lower, and it must be hard and alkaline. This can be accomplished by adding small amounts of something like crushed coral to the filter.
The breeding tank should be warm, ideally between 80- and 86-degrees Fahrenheit. There must also be a secure, steady source of fresh air that will not cause sudden changes in temperature or water parameters.
Finally, the breeding pair must be of same size and age. The ideal age to start breeding Alien betta fish is usually between eighteen months and two years. This will ensure that they are healthy and of a ripe enough age to start producing offspring.
How Do I Nurture Male and Female Alien Betta Fish After Breeding?
The male and female Alien betta must be transferred to another bowl after the spawning process is completed. They must be fed high-quality foods at least twice a day, and their water must be changed daily.
Conclusion
Alien bettas are very beautiful fish that look really amazing in a well decorated tank. They are becoming increasingly popular in today's fish keeping hobby, and for good reason. They can be easily bred in captivity.
This can be accomplished by maintaining certain water parameters, providing them with the necessary spawning media, and providing proper care for the young immediately after they are born. They have an average lifespan of about three years, which is considerably longer than the average fish.
Sometimes they even live up to five years or more. Maintaining the correct water levels is critical for their longevity. You must set up your betta tank in such a way that the water is filtered and changed at least once a week to avoid diseases which can be fatal to your pet. Giving your Alien betta fish the right food is also very important.
Make sure to remove any uneaten food from the tank so it won't rot and pollute the water. If you're a first-time fish keeper, this variety of Betta splendens is an excellent choice for your tank. It's a fairly simple fish to keep and can be easily bred in captivity.
