Do betta fish with elaborate tails become fatigued?

[kalynd]

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?

[SeaBidder]

Hi, I wanted to share my experience with the larger-tailed bettas. I've noticed that they can be prone to chewing their tails, especially the rosetails, to make them lighter. I've had two rosetails and both have chewed on their tails, but my doubletail has been fine - he still looks as beautiful as the day I brought him home. Providing some tall plants and a floating betta log can really help, as it gives them places to rest and hide. This can make a big difference. I wish you all the best, and I'd love to hear about your future experiences - please keep us updated.

[bloomer]

If you want a betta with a smaller tail, plakats are a great option.

[kalynd]

I'm still drawn to the halfmoon and doubletail bettas, but hearing about the potential discomfort they might experience with those beautiful tails does make me think twice. The fact that some bettas chew on their tails is a bit concerning, however, I do have a floating betta log and some tall plants that should help alleviate any stress. If I do decide to opt for a shorter tailed betta, a plakat is definitely a consideration - their tails seem like they'd be less of a burden.

[bloomer]

I believe it's largely stress that causes them to start biting their tails. Three of my half moon Bettas have done this at some point - two of them started in the shop, and one has actually bitten quite far down the top half of his tail. Another one also started in the shop but has continued a bit since coming home. The two that only bit in the shop have either grown their tails back or are in the process of doing so. The third one seems to have stopped now that I've added more plants to block his line of sight, so hopefully his will start growing back too.

[lunarix]

Hey there, peeps.

If you're gonna keep a half moon betta, you gotta have a nice, well-planted tank with some flat resting spots.

Hey bloomer, what's the deal with your betta, what kind is it?

I've been tryin' to figure out what kind of betta my guy Ace is - is he a crown tail, a veil tail, or a half moon? And if he's a rose tail, that might explain why his tail is all torn up. Or maybe it's those three albino tetras of mine that are causin' the trouble.

Check out my thread "Turning a tank into a haven" if you can, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks a ton, y'all.

[kalynd]

I really appreciate hearing about everyone's experiences with their bettas, it's helping me weigh my options.

[lunarix]

Wishing you the best.

[bloomer]

If you want a betta with a smaller tail, plakats are a great option.

A plakat betta is a short-tailed variety, they're still classified as other types, like half moons or comb tails, but the main difference is they have shorter tails rather than the full, flowing ones. I've seen some lovely short-tailed bettas, but personally, I've always been drawn to the longer tails.

[SeaBidder]

Veil tails are pretty.