Koi / Galaxy Betta

Betta splendens var. Koi (Marble)

The Koi Betta is the ultimate frontier of Bettas. Usually short-finned (Plakat), it sports red, black and white patches resembling Koi carp. The Galaxy variant adds sparkling metallic scales. Its true magic is the "Marble" genetics: the fish will drastically mutate its colors throughout its life due to jumping genes. It is robust in swimming but genetically delicate: extreme selective breeding has made it frighteningly prone to developing fatal tumors.

Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Linea genetica sviluppata in Asia incrociando ceppi Marble per ottenere pattern multicolore a chiazze (rosso, nero, bianco, cellophane, iridescente).
Origin: Selective breeding and cultivarsExtra-Amazon South AmericaSouth and Southeast AsiaEast Asia
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Species challenges

Temperature

24 °C - 29 °C

6 - 7.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Surface

Adult size

7 cm

Description

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extremely complex chromatic mutation created in Thailand in the 2010s ("Marble" mutation). Not found in nature, it is a designer variant of the domestic Betta splendens.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Koi / Galaxy Betta. The body shape is typically that of the "Plakat" (short and robust fins), ideal for highlighting the massive musculature. The gene responsible for the pattern is the "jumping gene" Marble.

Social Behavior: Very aggressive, proud and snappy. Having short fins (Plakat), it is an excellent swimmer, a tireless patroller of the tank. Will engage in fights to the death with any conspecific male.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: "Koi" coloration: light background with red and black spots (like carp). "Galaxy": a Koi with the addition of individual iridescent blue/green scales scattered like stars. Colors change (marbling) with age! Females also show equally spectacular colors.

Care and observations

Aquarium Setup: 20-30 liters (5-8 gallons) nano-aquarium, with a lid and without strong current. Greatly appreciates heavy planting. Since it is an excellent swimmer, it can tolerate a mild filter flow better than Halfmoons.

Diet and Feeding: Tireless hunter. Its agility allows it to actively hunt live prey. Offer high quality pellets to highlight the pigments (carotenoids for red and orange) and frozen insects.

Water Quality: Requires warm temperature (26-28°C / 79-82°F) and clean water, although being a Plakat it is slightly more resistant to fin rot than long-finned varieties.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Given its agility and aggressiveness, it will keep snails or caridinas at bay (which it will try to eat). Do not pair with other fish due to its turbulent temperament, it will live happily as the absolute dominator of a dedicated aquarium.

Aquarium Reproduction: Bubble nester. Vigorous mating. Because of the Marble gene, the offspring of two Kois will never be identical to the parents: the distribution of spots changes in every single specimen, making them unique.

Risks and Diseases: Unpredictable Marble genetics: the fish purchased with a certain spot pattern could become completely solid (all blue or all red) within a few months due to gene activation.

Fish profile

Temperament: Estremamente Aggressivo
Diet: Carnivoro puro. Alimenti di altissima qualità per supportare i continui cambi di pigmentazione.
Tank level: Surface
Adult size: 7 cm
GH: 4 dGH - 15 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.