Animals that have biological differences between male and female are said to be sexually dimorphic. Bettas, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a type of fish that exhibits sexual dimorphism, and there are several key differences between male vs female Betta fish. So, what’s the difference between male vs female Bettas?
Firstly, female Bettas tend to be smaller in size when compared to their male counterparts, with shorter fins and bodies. Secondly, female Bettas’ colors are not as vibrant. Also, male Betta fish are generally more aggressive and more likely to flare their fins.
That said, the differences don’t end there. In this article, we’ll take a more in-depth look at the key differences between male and female Bettas so you can decide which is the best fit for your home.
Table of Contents
What Is Sexual Dimorphism In Betta Fish?
Before we get into the differences between male vs female Bettas, it’s important to understand what sexual dimorphism is.
Sexual dimorphism is when there are physical differences between males and females of the same species. This can be anything from size and color to behavior.
In the case of Bettas, there are several sexually dimorphic traits that help to distinguish males from females. We’ll discuss these in the next section.
Male Vs Female Betta Fish – How To Tell The Difference Between Them
In this section, we’ll go over some of the key characteristics you can look for to help determine the sex of your Betta fish.
Size
One of the most noticeable differences between male vs female Betta fish is size.
Male Betta
Male Betta fish tend to be larger, with longer ventral and anal fins and bigger bodies. The exception is Plakat Betta fish which have naturally shorter fins. That said, the average size of a male’s body alone is around 2.5-3 inches long.
Female Betta
Female Bettas, on the other hand, are typically smaller in size, ranging from 2 inches to 2.25 inches. This difference in size is due to their different roles in the wild.
Males need to be larger in order to defend their territory and attract mates, while females don’t need to be as big. As a result, female Bettas tend to have shorter fins and bodies when compared to males.
Color
Another way to tell the difference between male and female Bettas is by their color, although this can be a bit trickier.
Male Betta
Male Betta fish generally have brighter colors.
Female Betta
Female Bettas tend to be duller in color. This is because female Bettas need to blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators. As a result, their colors are not as bright or vibrant.
Aggression
Male Betta
Male Bettas are also generally more aggressive than female Bettas. Although there are some species of wild Bettas that can live together, Betta splendens generally do not. Instead, they constantly compete with other males for territory and mates. As a result, they tend to be quicker to flare their fins and show aggression.
Female Betta
Female Bettas, on the other hand, are not as aggressive since they don’t need to compete with other females.
Fins
You can also tell the difference between male and female Bettas by their fins.
Male Betta
Male Betta fish have longer fins than female Bettas, which they use to attract mates.
Female Betta
Female Bettas, on the other hand, have shorter fins that help them blend in with their surroundings.
Beard
One additional way to tell the difference between a male and female Betta is by looking at their beard, also known as the opercular membrane.
Male Betta
Male fish have a long, filamentous extension of the last ray of the dorsal fin, known as the beard. Similar to other reasons why sexual dimorphism occurs, this is used to attract mates.
Female Betta
The female Betta fish also has a beard, but it’s not very visible. Usually, you can only see it when they’re flaring, which isn’t often for female Bettas, anyway.
Egg Spot
One thing that male Betta fish don’t have is a gravid spot, more commonly known as an egg spot.
Female Betta
The egg spot is a small, dark spot on the female Betta’s abdomen that helps her release eggs during breeding. It also shows signs when she’s pregnant.
Male Betta
The male doesn’t have this spot since he isn’t the one giving birth to the Betta fry.
Bubble Nests
Bubble nests are little groupings of bubbles that Bettas make to house their eggs. These colorful fish will only make bubble nests if they’re ready to breed.
Male Betta
Male Bettas are known for their majestic bubble nests. In fact, this trait is so prominent that many owners base their Betta’s happiness on whether it’s building bubble nests are not. While it’s not necessarily an indicator of how happy a Betta is, it does show that the Betta is healthy and ready to breed.
Female Betta
Bubble nest building isn’t a unique trait to male Bettas, but female Bettas typically don’t build them as often. If a female Betta does build a bubble nest, it’s usually not as big or elaborate as the male Betta’s.
So, those are some of the key differences between male and female Bettas. Now that you know how to tell the difference, you can decide which is the best fit for your home.
Similarities Between Male And Female Betta Fish
While there are several differences between male and female Bettas, there are also some similarities.
Lifespan
One similarity between male and female Bettas is their lifespan. Both Bettas can live for up to 3 years, with some Bettas even living up to 5 years if they are well-cared for.
This is a relatively long lifespan for a fish, which is one of the reasons why Bettas are so popular.
Care
Another similarity between male and female Bettas is the care they need. Both Bettas require similar care in order to stay healthy and thrive. This includes things like clean water, a proper diet, plenty of hiding places, and a heater.
As long as you provide your Betta with the proper care, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to live a long and healthy life.
Personality
Both female Betta fish and male Betta fish are similar in the sense that they have personalities of their own. While males are generally more aggressive, both Bettas can be friendly and make great pets.
It’s important to remember that every Betta is different, so it’s impossible to say for sure what their personality will be like. The best way to get to know your Betta is by spending time with them and observing their behavior.
Can Male And Female Betta Fish Live Together In The Same Tank?
Now that you know the key difference between male vs female Betta fish, you might be wondering if they can live together in the same tank.
The answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. Male and female Bettas tend to be very territorial, which can lead to aggression and fighting. If you do decide to put them in the same tank, it’s important to provide plenty of hiding places and keep a close eye on them.
It’s generally best to keep male and female Bettas in separate tanks to avoid any potential problems. This way, they can each have their own space and won’t have to worry about fighting with each other.
If you’re determined to keep them in the same tank, however, the best thing you can do is to give them plenty of space. 20 gallons should be the minimum for two Betta fish, and they should have lots of hiding places, plants, caves, and other decorations.
We discussed this in more detail in another article, so be sure to check that out if you want to learn more.
Are Male Or Female Betta Fish More Aggressive?
Both male and female Betta fish can be aggressive, but males are usually more territorial and aggressive than females.
The reason for this is rather simple. Male Betta fish need to defend their territory from other male Bettas. They also need to be able to assert their dominance in order to attract female Bettas. They also need this aggression when protecting their bubble nests or taking care of small fry.
Female Bettas, on the other hand, don’t need to worry about either of these things. They don’t have to defend their territory, and they don’t need to assert their dominance.
This doesn’t mean that female Bettas can’t be aggressive, however. They can still be territorial and might even flare at other fish in their tank. It’s just less likely for female Bettas to be aggressive than males.
Are Female Bettas Easier To Take Care Of?
Although it may seem that male Bettas are hard to care for due to their aggression, this isn’t the case.
Contrary to popular belief, female Bettas are not easier to take care of than male Betta fish. Both female and male Bettas require the same amount of care in order to stay healthy and thrive. For instance, regular water changes, a proper diet, and hiding places are a must for both Bettas.
The only time female Bettas might be easier to take care of is when they’re living in a community tank. This is because they are less likely to be aggressive towards other fish.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that female Bettas are always going to be well-behaved. They can still be territorial and might even flare at other fish in their tank. It’s just less likely for female Bettas to be aggressive than males.
Ultimately, if you find taking care of your current Betta, whether it’s male or female, difficult, then it won’t matter even if you switch to a different sex.
Which Is Better: Male Or Female Betta Fish?
Now, here’s a fun question. Which makes a better pet, male or female Betta fish?
The answer is that it really depends on what you’re looking for in a pet. In this section, we’ll discuss the different factors that can affect your decision.
Level Of Activity
One factor that you might want to consider is the level of activity. In general, female Bettas are more active than male Bettas.
This isn’t to say that all female Bettas are hyperactive, and all male Betta fish are lazy. There will always be some exceptions, but in general, female Bettas tend to be more active than males.
This is because female Bettas have more energy since they don’t need to expend as much energy on territorial disputes and attracting mates.
If you’re looking for a Betta that’s always on the go and loves to explore, then a female Betta might be a better choice for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a Betta that’s a little more low-key, then a male Betta might be a better choice.
Tank Mates
If you want to keep tank mates with your Betta fish, it may be wise to choose a female Betta fish instead. Not only can you put your Betta fish in a community tank, but you can also put other female Bettas in with her to create a Betta sorority.
Betta sororities are groups of female Bettas that live together harmoniously. This is in contrast to male Betta fish, which are usually too territorial and aggressive to live with other fish.
Of course, not all female Bettas get along well with others – it still depends on her individual personality. There’s always a chance that your Betta may flare at or even attack her tankmates.
Still, it’s a simple fact that males are always much more likely to fight with other fish, even if those fish are of the same species. So, if you’re looking to keep tankmates with your Betta fish, female Bettas are definitely the way to go.
Appearance
Quick, imagine a beautiful Betta fish in your head. What do you see? Do you see a small fish with graceful, flowing fins? If so, then you’re imagining a male Betta, whether you meant to do so or not.
Male Bettas are the poster child of the entire Betta splendens species. When people think of Bettas, there’s a good chance that they have a male Betta in mind.
There’s a reason why the majority of Bettas you see in pet stores are male – they’re simply more visually appealing than female Bettas.
This is because male Betta fish have longer, brighter fins and tails. They also have more vibrant colors. Female Betta fish, as mentioned above, have duller colors and much shorter fins. Some female Bettas don’t even look like stereotypical Bettas.
If you’re looking for a Betta that’s going to stand out in your tank, then a male Betta is definitely the way to go.
But if you’re not too concerned about appearance and you just want a healthy, happy Betta fish, then either sex will do.
Personality
Many people don’t notice it, but Bettas love getting attention from their owners. They may make a little dance or swim to the surface when they see you going near the tank.
Female Bettas tend to be more independent than male Betta fish. They’re less likely to be attached to their owners, and they don’t need as much attention.
Want to know the reason for this? Female Bettas are used to living in groups, while male Bettas are used to living alone. In the wild, females don’t mind mingling with other fish, while males generally live by themselves. Captive bred Betta fish maintain these natural instincts.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a Betta that’s going to be attached to you and want your attention, then a male Betta should be your top pick. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a Betta that’s more independent, then a female Betta would be better suited for you.
Precautions To Take When Housing Male And Female Bettas Together
In this section, we’ll go over some of the precautions you need to take if you’re planning on housing male and female Betta fish together.
- Choose them while they’re young. Juvenile fish are always going to be more likely to get along with each other than adult fish. This is especially true for Bettas. You’ll want to choose Bettas that are only 2-3 months old, as opposed to most Bettas in stores that are around 4-5 months.
- Watch out for their personalities. Individual Bettas have individual personalities. Just because a Betta is female doesn’t mean that she’ll get along well with others. The same goes for male Betta fish.
- Prepare a large-enough tank. Bettas need a lot of space to swim, so you’ll need to have a tank that’s at least 10 gallons. If you’re planning on keeping more than one in a single tank, you have to double this number. A 20-gallon-long may be a better option, allowing you to add many hiding places and keep them away from each other’s sights.
- Introduce them slowly to each other. Don’t just plop both fishes into a tank and call it a day. You’ll have to do it gradually, particularly if you’re adding more than one fish. This will help them adjust better and hopefully prevent any fights.
- Observe their interactions closely. This is especially crucial for the first few days. You’ll want to keep an eye on their behavior to make sure that they’re getting along well with each other.
- Get ready to separate them. If, for whatever reason, the Bettas don’t get along well with each other, you’ll need to be prepared to separate them into different tanks. This is why it’s always a good idea to have more than one tank set up, just in case you need to house them separately.
FAQs
Is a male or female Betta better?
As answered above, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a Betta. If you want a Betta that’s more independent, is very active, and can tolerate many other tankmates, then female Bettas are better. If you want a Betta that’s more attached to you, spends most of their time resting, and has a more head-turning and eye-catching appearance, then male Bettas are better.
Can 1 male and 2 female Betta fish live together?
One male and two female Betta fish together is not a good combination. Males do best by themselves in a single 5-10 gallon tank. Meanwhile, female Bettas do well with 4-5 other female Bettas in a 20-30 gallon sorority tank.
Are male or female Bettas easier to take care of?
Female Bettas are generally easier to take care of than male Bettas, but not by a lot. If you’re planning to care for just one Betta in its own tank, it doesn’t matter whether you go for a male or female Betta.
Can female Betta fish lay eggs without a male?
Interestingly, female Betta fish will occasionally lay eggs in the tank, even when there’s no male present. When this happens, the eggs are usually not fertilized and will not develop into baby fish. That said, most of the time, the eggs will simply be reabsorbed back into the female’s body if there’s no male around.
Do female Bettas build nests?
Female Bettas can sometimes build nests, but it’s mostly the male Betta’s job. If a female Betta does build a nest, it’s usually out of necessity, unlike male Bettas who do them whenever they feel like it. Additionally, bubble nests made by a female Betta fish aren’t as big or majestic as a male Betta fish’s.
Do female Bettas get along with each other?
Female Bettas often do well when living together in a group or sorority. They have a hierarchy in which the most dominant female is at the top, followed by the less dominant females. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some female Bettas simply don’t get along with each other.
Conclusion
Now that you know the key difference between male vs female Betta fish, you can decide which is the best fit for your home.
If you’re looking for a fish with a personality of its own, then either Betta would be a great choice. Make sure that you do your research before making a purchase, and always be prepared to separate them if needed.
With that said, Bettas are beautiful, unique fish that make a wonderful addition to any home, regardless of whether they’re male or female.
Recommended Reading:
- Can Male & Female Bettas Live In The Same Tank? Factors To Consider
- Ultimate Betta Sorority Tank Guide
- Pregnant Bettas – Signs To Look For
- Betta Fish Egg Stages, Appearance, & Care Guide
