🐠 Wild Betta Red Splendens Spade Tail Male

🔹 Overview

The Wild Betta Red Splendens Spade Tail Male is a naturally elegant form of Betta splendens, retaining the classic wild body shape and behavior of its ancestors.
The “spade tail” name refers to its distinctive tail shape — broad at the base and tapering to a smooth, pointed tip, resembling the spade symbol on a playing card.

This variety displays a deep red coloration, often with subtle metallic or copper undertones, and embodies the raw, untamed beauty of Thailand’s wild bettas.

🔹 Origin & Natural History

Wild spade tail splendens are often found in leafy, shaded environments with warm, still waters and abundant vegetation. Their red color provides camouflage among the roots and leaf litter.

🔹 Physical Description

1. Size:

   • Males reach around 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches) in body length.

2. Body Shape:

   • Sleek, muscular, and hydrodynamic — built for efficient swimming rather than ornamental display.

3. Coloration:

   • Body: Deep crimson to ruby red, sometimes with iridescent blue-green highlights on the scales or gill plates.

   • Fins: Predominantly red, occasionally with subtle metallic edges.

   • Throat Area: May appear darker or even blackish when flaring.

4. Tail Type:

   • Spade Tail: Broad at the base and tapering gracefully to a single central point.

   • Provides excellent maneuverability and a distinctive, natural elegance.

5. Sexual Dimorphism:

   • Males: Richer coloration, sharper spade tail, slightly larger body.

   • Females: Duller tones, rounder body, shorter fins.

🔹 Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive — males are territorial but not overly hostile like some domestic strains.

• Activity Level: Active and observant; enjoys patrolling its space.

• Flaring Behavior: Males flare impressively when asserting dominance or courting females.

• Personality: Intelligent and responsive to owners; easily recognizes feeding routines.

Unlike ornamental halfmoons or plakats, these wild bettas maintain a natural calm balance — curious, alert, and expressive without extreme aggression.

🔹 Natural Habitat Conditions

In nature, these bettas live in warm, slow-moving, shaded water rich in organic debris. The water is often brownish due to tannins released from decaying vegetation.

To recreate their habitat:

• Use dark substrate, dried leaves (like Indian almond), and driftwood.

• Include floating plants (frogbit, water lettuce) for shade.

• Maintain gentle filtration and avoid strong currents.

• Provide hiding spots among roots and caves.

🔹 Ideal Tank Setup & Water Parameters

🔹 Diet & Feeding

Diet Type: Carnivorous / Micro-predator

Preferred Foods:

• Live or frozen: mosquito larvae, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.

• High-quality betta pellets or micro-granules.

• Occasional freeze-dried or live foods to enhance color and condition.

Feeding Tips:

• Feed small amounts once or twice daily.

• Rotate between live, frozen, and dry foods.

• Avoid overfeeding — wild bettas eat small, frequent meals in nature.

🔹 Health & Maintenance

Common Issues:

• Fin tears from rough décor.

• Stress or color fading in overly bright tanks.

• Fungal or bacterial infections if water quality declines.

Preventive Care:

• Maintain stable temperature and pH.

• Include tannins (almond leaves, peat, or driftwood).

• Perform 20–25% water changes weekly.

• Provide a calm, low-stress environment.

A healthy male will have bold coloration, active swimming behavior, and frequent bubble-nest building.

🔹 Compatibility

🔹 Breeding & Reproduction

• Type: Bubble-nest builder.

• Nesting: Males construct bubble nests under floating leaves or plants.

• Courtship: Male displays vibrant color and flaring to attract female.

• Spawning:

  • Male wraps around female to fertilize eggs.

  • Eggs are placed in the nest and guarded by the male.

  • Female should be removed after spawning to prevent aggression.

• Egg Hatching: 36–48 hours.

• Fry Feeding: Infusoria first, then baby brine shrimp or micro-worms.

Breeding Difficulty: Moderate; requires stable conditions and soft, warm water.

🔹 Lifespan

• Typical: 3–4 years.

• Optimal Care: Up to 5 years.

🔹 Key Traits & Highlights

1. Distinctive Spade Tail: Graceful and balanced tail shape — elegant yet functional.

2. Wild Red Coloration: Deep, natural crimson hue with subtle iridescence.

3. Natural Proportions: Short fins and streamlined body, true to wild form.

4. Balanced Temperament: Less aggressive than domestic bettas, highly responsive to environment.

5. Authentic Lineage: Represents the original wild Betta splendens before ornamental breeding.

🔹 Quick Summary

🔹 Summary

The Wild Betta Red Splendens Spade Tail Male is a true representative of the original Thai betta lineage — elegant, vibrant, and full of natural character. Its deep red hues, refined tail shape, and balanced temperament make it a perfect blend of wild authenticity and aesthetic beauty.

Ideal for aquarists who appreciate natural, biotope-style aquariums, this betta showcases the pure grace and intelligence of one of the world’s most iconic fish species.

FOR DELIVERY IN KOLKATA LOCATION ONLY. IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.