Do betta fish with elaborate tails become fatigued?

[kalynd]

I'm considering a delta tail betta, I think it's a great option since they're less likely to chew on their tails. I've always liked the way they look, and I think it's a better fit for me than a veil tail. Fingers crossed I can find one.

Moony: No worries, I'm actually from the US, Oregon to be exact. It's awesome to see people from all over the world on this forum!

[royalbaker]

My 5.5 gallon betta tank is finally cycled after 5 long weeks - I'm thrilled, but also a bit relieved. I had a betta years ago, but unfortunately, he didn't make it through a stressful move. This time around, I'm better prepared, thanks to learning about cycling. Now I'm thinking about getting a new betta, and I'm drawn to halfmoons and doubletails - they're just so beautiful. However, I worry that their elaborate tails might be a strain on them. Did they have a choice in the matter, or is it all about breeding? I'm also considering veiltails, which are gorgeous in their own right. Would choosing a veiltail be the kinder option?

Honestly, I think as long as you've got great water parameters, you should just go with the betta that catches your eye.

[kalynd]

I've got my tank cycled, so my water parameters should be good with regular water changes. I actually visited my LFS and they're going to see what they can do for me, no promises though. I just can't shake the feeling that I'd be doing a disservice to a betta if it ended up chewing its own tail because it's too heavy, and my husband would never let me hear the end of it.

[cavallo]

Honestly, I think if I were a betta, I'd be tempted to ditch the tail too, especially after a long, hard 'day' of swimming. I mean, I used to work in management, and let me tell you, it was a real challenge - now that I'm retired, I only break out the high heels for special occasions, and I'm sure a betta feels the same way about its fancy tail. Those things must be exhausting to maintain. And don't even get me started on the equivalent of a bra for a betta - I'm sure they'd love to just be free of all that extra 'hardware' sometimes.

[lunarix]

That's quite a brutal way to put it.