The Betta is a type of freshwater fish that is commonly kept as a pet. These fish are native to Thailand, Malaysia, and other areas in Southeast Asia. There are many subspecies of Bettas, each with its unique appearance. Some of the more common types include the Doubletail Betta, Celestial Betta, Butterfly Betta, and the Giant Betta. Both the king betta and the Giant Betta have very large body sizes compared to most other subspecies of Bettas. As such, it’s not uncommon for aquarists to refer to these two types as “giant” or “king” bettas. The differences between King Bettas and Giant Bettas are outlined here in this article.
King Betta
The King Betta is a type of Betta that was discovered in Thailand during the reign of King Rama IX in the 1950s. It’s one of the larger subspecies of Bettas, reaching a size that can be as much as 1.5 times the size of the average Betta. These fish are known for their bright coloring and their ability to live in warm water conditions, making them a popular choice for aquarists in warm climates. King Bettas are best kept in a tank that has a capacity of at least 10 gallons.
Giant Betta
The Giant Betta is one of the largest subspecies of Bettas, reaching a maximum adult size that can be as much as 3 times the size of the average Betta. Giant Bettas are one of the largest types of freshwater fish. These are very active fish that need a lot of space. Therefore, a tank with a capacity of at least 20 gallons is recommended for keeping a Giant Betta. Giant Bettas are native to Thailand, hence the name.
Differences between King and Giant Bettas
As we’ve seen, King Bettas and Giant Bettas are two of the largest types of Betta fish. Therefore, it’s not surprising to find that these two types have some differences between them.
– Lifespan – The lifespan of King Bettas is approximately 2 years, while the Giant Betta can live for up to 4 years under ideal conditions.
– Growth Rate – The growth rate of Giant Bettas is much more rapid than it is for King Bettas. Giant Bettas can grow up to 5 times their original size within the first year of life, while King Bettas only grow 2 times their original size.
– Eating Habits – King Bettas are primarily herbivorous fish, meaning that their diet consists mostly of plant matter. Giant Bettas, on the other hand, are mostly carnivorous, meaning that they consume mostly meat.
– Color – The color of King Bettas can vary, although most often it is a vibrant blue, black, and red. In comparison, the color of Giant Bettas is typically black, red, and yellow.
Similarities Between a King Betta and a Giant Betta
Although King Bettas and Giant Bettas are two very different types of fish, there are some similarities between them.
– Both types of Bettas have large body sizes when compared to other subspecies.
– Both types are native to Thailand.
– Both types are commonly kept as pets in warm climates.
– Both types are carnivorous and eat meat.
– Both types are primarily herbivorous and are blue.
Tank Recommendations
While King Bettas and Giant Bettas are both large fish, they can both thrive in a wide range of tank conditions. The best way to keep these fish is in a warm tank with a tropical environment. Depending on the size of your tank, the ideal water temperature should be between 25 and 28 degrees C. When it comes to the type of filtration, you can use any type of filter you like as long as the tank has a large surface area for gas exchange, biological filtration, and mechanical filtration. However, the best type of filtration for your tank is up to you. Another important part of setting up a tank for Bettas is choosing the right substrate. The substrate you choose should be soft and allow for ease of cleaning. A sandy substrate is a great option for this purpose, while gravel is not recommended since it’s too difficult to clean.
Conclusion
The King Betta and the Giant Betta are two of the largest types of Betta fish. They also happen to be two of the most popular types of Betta fish as well, owing to their large size and vibrant coloring. If you want to keep one of these fish, you’ll need a large tank and a thriving tropical environment.