OHM Betta Males

fish description – Male Over Halfmoon Betta Care Guide (Betta\ splendens ‘Over Halfmoon’ Strain)

 

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Betta\ splendens$ (‘Over Halfmoon’ Strain)
Common Name	OHM Betta, Over Halfmoon Betta, Halfmoon Betta
Origin	Southeast Asia (Selectively Bred Strain)
Adult Size	2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
Temperament	Highly aggressive, territorial, must be kept solitary
Lifespan	2–5 years
Care Level	Moderate (sensitive to fin damage and water quality)

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Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: This fish is defined by its dramatic finnage.¹⁴ When flared, the tail forms an arc that extends beyond a full 180 degrees, sometimes curling over the top, hence “Over Halfmoon.”¹⁵ The body is stocky, and colors are extremely vibrant (Red, Blue, Copper, etc.).

   

• Coloration: Males display intense, vibrant colors across the entire body and fins.¹⁶ Males have the massive, elaborate finnage; Females have significantly shorter fins and less vibrant colors (though still colorful in this strain).¹⁷

   

• Fins: The caudal fin spreads ¹⁸$180^\circ$ or more.¹⁹ The voluminous fins of the OHM variety make them slow swimmers and highly susceptible to fin rot and damage.

   

• Behavior: Males are fiercely solitary and territorial; never keep two males together. As Labyrinth fish, they build bubble nests and must have access to the water surface for breathing.²⁰ They are intelligent and interactive with their keeper.²¹

   

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Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (40 liters) is the recommended minimum for a single male. Larger tanks (15–20 gallons) are excellent for providing stable parameters and maximizing swimming space for their large fins.
• Schooling: Must be kept alone (solitary). Any attempt to house with other male Bettas will result in fighting.²² Tank mates are possible only with caution and in tanks 15+ gallons.

   

• Temperature: High Tropical range: ²³$76^\circ$–²⁴$82^\circ\text{F}\ (24^\circ$–²⁵$28^\circ\text{C})$ (ideally ²⁶$78^\circ$–²⁷$80^\circ\text{F}$).²⁸ Consistent, warm water is essential for immunity and fin health.²⁹

   

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral water: 6.5 to 7.5.³⁰ They require pristine water quality and gentle filtration, as strong currents will stress them and buffet their fins.³¹

   

• Aquascape: Requires an environment with minimal water flow.³² Provide smooth décor, live plants with soft leaves (Anubias, Java Fern), and hiding spots/resting perches (Betta leaves, smooth driftwood) near the surface.³³ Avoid all sharp rocks or plastic plants that could tear their delicate fins.³⁴

   

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Diet and Feeding

 

Betta fish are strict carnivores/micropredators.

• Staple Diet: High-quality, protein-rich Betta pellets or granules.³⁵

   

• Supplementation: A varied, protein-focused diet is essential for color and health.³⁶ Offer live or frozen foods daily: Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, and Daphnia.

   

• Schedule: Feed small portions once or twice a day.³⁷ They have small stomachs; feed only what they can consume in 2 minutes. A weekly fast day is often beneficial for digestion.³⁸

   

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Compatibility

 

• Caution: Never house with another male Betta.³⁹ Avoid any fish that are known fin-nippers (e.g., Tiger Barbs, Serpae Tetras). Also, avoid large, slow fish with flowing fins (like Angelfish) as the Betta may initiate aggression, or fast, flashy fish that might outcompete them for food.

   

• Good Tank Mates: Peaceful, non-fin-nipping, mid-to-bottom dwelling fish that are not overly colorful.⁴⁰ Examples include Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, Kuhli Loaches, and small, non-flashy Tetras (e.g., Ember Tetras, Black Neon Tetras).