Methods for Distinguishing the Gender of Betta Fish
1. Comparison of Fin Morphology
Male Betta Fish: The fins (dorsal fin, anal fin, caudal fin) are broad and long, with an elegant shape like a fan or a tuxedo, and the length can reach 2-3 times the body length.
Female Betta Fish: The fins are short, approximately the same length as or shorter than the body, with a blunt shape, and the pelvic fins may be comb-like.
Note: For short-finned varieties (such as Plakat), it may be confusing to make a judgment, and other characteristics should be considered.
2. Differences in Body Color and Patterns
Male Betta Fish: The body color is bright (such as royal blue, emerald green, bright red), and the scales often have stripes or spots. The color can change with emotions or the environment.
Female Betta Fish: The body color is relatively dull, mostly in a single tone, but it may become temporarily bright when under stress.
3. Abdominal Characteristics
Female Betta Fish: The abdomen is obviously protruding, with a round "navel" (genital pore), which is a white-yellow dot located between the pelvic fins and the anal fin; it feels soft to the touch.
Male Betta Fish: The abdomen is flat, without a navel, and feels harder to the touch.
Tip: Shining a flashlight can help observe the female fish's ovaries (long and strip-shaped).
4. Behavioral Observation
Male Betta Fish: They are highly aggressive and will open their gill covers to show aggression or attack the image in the mirror.
Female Betta Fish: They are less aggressive and have a milder reaction to the mirror.
Note: The mirror test should not last more than a few minutes to avoid causing stress.
5. Body Shape and Age
Male Betta Fish: They have a slender body shape and a relatively large head.
Female Betta Fish: They have a short and plump body shape and a smaller head.
Juvenile fish (under 2 months old) do not have obvious gender characteristics and need to wait for development.
Comprehensive Suggestion: Give priority to observing the fins and the genital pore, and make a judgment by combining the body color and abdominal characteristics. If you are still unsure, you can try a behavioral test (such as the mirror method).