The Dragon Scale Betta is a stunning ornamental fish known for its unique, mythical aesthetic. With thick, iridescent scales resembling dragon armor, this selectively bred variety has captivated hobbyists worldwide. As a premier provider of high-quality Bettas, THIENDUC AQUARIUM offers this comprehensive guide to help enthusiasts in the EU care for their magnificent Dragon Scale Betta, ensuring it thrives.

Key Characteristics of the Dragon Scale Betta

Appearance: The Dragon's Armor

The most defining feature of the Dragon Scale Betta is its spectacular, armor-like scaling. Unlike the fine, delicate scales of other Betta varieties, Dragon Scales are thick, opaque, and possess a striking metallic sheen. This unique genetic trait gives the fish a robust, powerful appearance, with scales often extending over the head and face, creating a hooded or masked effect. The iridescence of the scales allows them to shimmer and change color depending on the light, adding to their mystical appeal.

Beyond their scales, these Bettas exhibit a stunning array of colors. While the scales themselves often present in a metallic hue—such as brilliant steel blue, coppery red, or gleaming gold—the underlying body and fins can feature a contrasting or complementary color. This combination of metallic and non-metallic pigments creates a visual masterpiece, making each Dragon Scale Betta a truly individual work of art. The body structure is robust and well-defined, and they come in all the popular fin types, from the flowing, elegant fins of a Halfmoon to the short, muscular fins of a Plakat.

Behavior and Temperament

Like their ancestors, Dragon Scale Bettas are known for their territorial and aggressive nature, a trait that earned them the nickname "Siamese fighting fish." This temperament is particularly pronounced in males, who should never be housed together in the same tank, as it will almost certainly lead to a fight to the death.

While their aggressive behavior requires careful planning, it is also a fascinating aspect of their personality. A single Dragon Scale Betta can be a captivating display, patrolling its territory with a confident and regal demeanor. When considering tank mates, it is crucial to select species that are peaceful, do not have long, flowing fins that might be mistaken for another Betta, and can tolerate similar water parameters. Suitable companions can include small, bottom-dwelling fish like corydoras, or quick-moving mid-water fish like harlequin rasboras. Proper planning and research are essential to create a harmonious aquatic environment.

Complete Care Guidelines

Providing the right environment is critical for the long-term health and vitality of your Dragon Scale Betta.

Tank Setup

A common misconception is that Bettas can thrive in a small bowl. This is a myth. While Bettas can survive in less-than-ideal conditions, they will not truly flourish. A single Dragon Scale Betta requires a minimum tank size of 5 gallons (approximately 19 liters) to ensure proper water quality and provide adequate space for swimming and exploration. The tank should have a lid, as Bettas are known for their ability to jump.

Parameters related to water are critical. The ideal temperature range for these tropical fish is between 24−27circC (75−80circF), which can be maintained with a reliable aquarium heater. The pH level should be neutral to slightly acidic, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. Clean, properly conditioned water is a must. Given their long fins and relatively low energy, a low-flow filter is highly recommended. Filters with strong currents can stress the fish, damage their fins, and make it difficult for them to swim. Filters with adjustable flow rates or sponge filters are great options.

Diet and Feeding

A varied and nutritious diet is key to a healthy and vibrant Dragon Scale Betta. While Betta pellets can form the staple of their diet, it is important to supplement them with other foods to provide a full range of nutrients. Suitable additions include freeze-dried bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. These foods not only provide essential proteins and vitamins but also help to prevent digestive issues.

Feeding should be done once or twice a day, with only the amount of food the fish can consume within a few minutes. Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes made by new hobbyists and can lead to serious health problems. Any uneaten food should be promptly removed from the tank to prevent water quality degradation.

Tank Maintenance

Regular tank maintenance is non-negotiable for a healthy aquarium. A weekly water change of approximately 25% of the tank's volume is recommended. This aids in the elimination of nitrates and other waste materials that may build up over time. When performing a water change, be sure to use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate and remove any accumulated debris. Additionally, check and rinse the filter media every few weeks to ensure it is functioning properly. These routine tasks, while simple, are the foundation of a healthy aquatic environment for your beloved Dragon Scale Betta.

Potential Health Issues

While generally hardy, Dragon Scale Bettas are susceptible to certain health issues, largely due to their unique genetic makeup. The dense scales of the Dragon Scale Betta can sometimes lead to a condition known as "dropsy." This is a serious internal health issue where fluid builds up in the fish's body, causing the scales to protrude in a way that resembles a pinecone.

This condition is often an outward sign of an underlying bacterial infection or organ failure. While it can be fatal, early detection and treatment are crucial. It's important to keep a close eye on your fish's scales and overall body shape. Another common ailment is Swim Bladder Disease, which affects the fish's ability to maintain buoyancy. It can be caused by a number of factors, including overfeeding, poor diet, or bacterial infections. Symptoms include difficulty swimming, floating at an odd angle, or sinking to the bottom of the tank. Early treatment often involves a short period of fasting to allow the digestive system to recover.

The health of your fish is a top priority, and THIENDUC AQUARIUM takes immense pride in providing high-quality, healthy fish, minimizing the risk of inherited conditions where possible. As a renowned Dragon Scale Betta breeder and exporter, we are confident in the health and quality of our stock.

Conclusion

The Dragon Scale Betta is a living jewel and a rewarding addition to any aquarium. They can live for many years if given the right care. THIENDUC AQUARIUM offers high-quality Dragon Scale Betta and other ornamental fish for enthusiasts in the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Contact Information: 

• Address: 57 Le Thi Sieng, Tan Thong Hoi, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 

• Mobile: +84903912501 

• Office: +84982577871 

• Email: thien@thienducaquarium.com