Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Marine Betta, also known as the Comet or Comet Grouper, is a dazzling fish from the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea. Sporting a very large, lobe-shaped caudal fin and posterior eye spot, the Marine betta’s camouflage pattern (dark body with many tiny white spots) mimics the appearance of the Turkey Moray Eel (Gymnothorax meleagris), a strategy thought to help deter predators. The Marine betta is a very shy species when first introduced, but will become more confident overtime. An adult Marine betta can reach a size of approximately 8″, and their availability is somewhat infrequent in the aquarium trade.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Marine bettas are carnivores. A diet consisting of various proteins and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, and other mixed saltwater preparations will maintain optimal health, immune function and coloration. Some Marine bettas have been known to be fussy about accepting prepared foods, and may need to be enticed with feeder ghost shrimp at the beginning in order to encourage such feeding behavior. Note: While we strive to offer Marine bettas that are eating strictly frozen foods, or a combination of frozen foods and ghost shrimp, it is not uncommon for them to revert back to only accepting live foods for a period of time due to the stress of a new environment.
Care Requirements: A minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Marine betta. Marine bettas require generous live rock in the aquarium, especially caves to hang out in because they are a nocturnal species. Over time, your Marine betta will become bolder and spend more time in the open. Marine bettas rarely conflict with tank mates, and should not be kept with overly boisterious species or those that could cause harm to its decorative fins. Marine bettas will not bother corals or anemones in a reef aquarium, but are to be added with caution because they could pose a threat to certain shrimp that may fit in their mouths. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size:Â Small: 3″ or less; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4″; Large: 4-1/4″ to 5″; XLarge: 5-1/4″ to 6″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
