Key Features:

Distinctive Appearance: Known for its large, flowing Halfmoon-style tail combined with Plakat influence in body structure, often creating a strong, balanced frame. The “Dragon” trait refers to thick, metallic scaling that gives a plated, armor-like look across the body, usually in silver, copper, or steel tones layered over reds, blues, or multicolor bases.

Bold Display Fish: A highly expressive betta that frequently flares and showcases its finnage. It is interactive and alert, often responding to movement outside the tank while also resting periodically near plants or decorations.

Care Requirements:

Tank Conditions: Requires a heated, stable aquarium with gentle filtration and minimal current to protect long fins. Ideal water temperature should range between 76–82°F (24–28°C). Prefers soft to moderately hard water with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5–7.5). A planted tank with floating plants and resting spots is highly recommended.

Diet: Carnivorous/omnivorous, feeding on high-quality betta pellets as a staple diet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Protein-rich feeding helps maintain coloration and fin health.

Compatibility: Males must be kept alone due to strong territorial aggression. In community setups, only peaceful, non-fin-nipping species may be considered, and even then caution is required due to fin sensitivity and aggression risk.

Size and Growth:

Adult Size: Can grow up to 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in body length, with fins extending significantly beyond that.

Growth: Moderate growth, with full coloration and finnage developing over several months under stable, warm conditions.

Overview:

Betta splendens Halfmoon Dragon is a selectively bred ornamental Siamese fighting fish variant prized for its metallic dragon-scale patterning and dramatic Halfmoon finnage. It is best suited for beginner to intermediate aquarists who can provide warm, stable water conditions and solitary housing for males.