Alien Betta Fish (Betta splendens): A Metallic Showpiece With Mysterious Origins

The Alien Betta Fish is a stunning hybrid with metallic colors and a bold personality. In this complete guide we share care tips, tank setup, feeding, and much more!

The Alien Betta fish is known for its metallic colors

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Alien Betta Fish: A Futuristic Marvel for Your Aquarium

If you ever look at an Alien Betta, your first thought would most likely be “Wow, that fish looks like it came from another galaxy”. Some unique Alien Betta characteristics include its shimmering metallic sheen, ethereal color shifts, iridescent scales, and an elegant yet edgy body structure. These iridescent Betta fish are one of the most visually striking fish you can add to your aquarium.

Alien Bettas are the product of complex hybridization, which makes them one of the more mysterious and captivating hybrid Betta varieties.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Alien Betta, from their curious origins to tank setup, feeding tips, health care, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or a curious first-timer, this article will help you understand what it takes to care for this futuristic aquatic showpiece.

Author’s Note: Check out our post on the The Top 10 Most Popular Betta Fish for even more beautiful Betta varieties!

Origins and Genetics: A Crossbred Creation

Alien Bettas are hybrids

The Alien Betta Fish is believed to be the result of hybridization of several Betta species, with Betta splendens, Betta smaragdina, and Betta imbellis being the most frequently mentioned in its lineage.

And the result? A fish with an exotic genetic makeup with intense colors, unusual scale patterns, and slightly different fin shapes from the standard Betta splendens.

Alien Bettas aren’t your typical pet store Bettas. They belong to exotic Betta breeding lines and are sought after by collectors who appreciate the uniqueness of hybrid fish. Because they are Betta splendens hybrids, they often exhibit a blend of behavioral and physical traits from their parental lines.

The Alien Betta origin story is a testament to what selective breeding can do when it’s guided by both scientific knowledge and an artistic eye.

Tank Setup to Highlight Its Shine

Using dark-colored backgrounds and substrates will make your Alien Betta’s colors pop

If you’re going to own an Alien Betta, you might as well make sure it looks its best, right? Tank design plays a huge role in showcasing those intense, metallic colors. Here are some Alien Betta aquarium tips to turn your setup into a living piece of art.

Choose a dark-colored substrate. Black sand or dark gravel works best.
Add a black or deep-blue background to contrast with your Alien Betta fish’s shimmering scales. When the light hits just right, your Alien Betta will practically glow.
Use adjustable LED lighting. These allow you to tweak brightness and warmth to best highlight the fish’s iridescence.
Use a sponge filter or low-flow internal filter to keep the water clean and create minimal water flow.
Choose soft tank decor like soft-leafed plants, caves, and driftwood.

Enhancing Betta iridescence is all about balance: proper lighting, gentle water flow, and intentional design. If you want to create a Betta tank designed to showcase its colors in your tank, follow these tips.

Author’s Note: Check out our post on The 11 Best Betta Fish Tank Kits: Reviewed for Beginners for a quick setup guide and gear!

Feeding to Maintain Color and Health

Pro Shrimp Patties, Ultra Fresh Betta Fish Food
Found On Amazon

If you want those dazzling colors to stay vibrant, you’ve got to feed your Alien Betta fish right. Alien Bettas are premium fish, so here are some premium Betta feeding tips:

These fish are carnivorous and require a high-protein diet to maintain their energy and appearance.
Invest in Betta color enhancement food. Look for ones rich in astaxanthin or spirulina, which are known to boost coloration naturally.
Supplement with frozen or live treats like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp for variety and enrichment.
Stick to a feeding schedule, maybe once or twice daily in small portions that they can finish in two minutes. Overfeeding can lead to bloating and water quality issues, which will dull their colors.

Author’s Note: For more on feeding your aquatic pets check out The Ultimate Guide to Fish Food: Pros and Cons & Best Choices!

When you follow this Alien Betta diet guide, you’re not just giving your fish a treat; you’re helping them thrive.

Temperament and Tank Compatibility

Mystery snails are safe tank mates for Alien Betta fish

Alien Bettas may be beautiful, but don’t let their appearance fool you. Like most Bettas, they’re territorial and generally prefer solitude. Alien Betta aggression level can vary depending on the individual fish, but it’s safest to assume they won’t tolerate another Betta in the same tank.

Betta fish behavior patterns can sometimes be unpredictable, especially if you’re dealing with a first-generation hybrid. One day they’re calm and curious, the next they’re flaring at their reflection.

When considering safe tank mates for Alien Bettas, go for small, peaceful invertebrates like Mystery snails or Ghost shrimp. You’d still need to monitor closely.

Author’s Note: For more on Betta tankmates checkout The 13 Popular Betta Tankmates for a 5 Gallon Aquarium!

The Alien Betta is one fish where a solo setup is often the best way to let them shine.

Breeding Complexities in Captivity

Happy and healthy Betta Fish ready to reproduce

Breeding an Alien Betta is not as easy as breeding regular Bettas. Because they’re hybrids, retaining their vibrant traits and body structure can be challenging. The metallic trait inheritance is unpredictable and may not carry over evenly in offspring.

Male Alien Bettas build bubble nests just like their Betta splendens relatives. If you want to try breeding, condition your pair with live food, isolate them from visual contact for a few days, and then introduce them carefully.

Even when spawning is successful, hybrid Betta fry care can be tricky. Raising them requires patience, careful water control, and high-quality food.

In short, breeding Alien Betta fish can be overwhelming and is best left to experienced hobbyists or breeders ready for the challenge.

Health & Maintenance Tips for a Rare Breed

Alien Bettas may look like they belong on another planet, but they have the same earthly needs as other Bettas, like clean water, stable temperatures, and a stress-free environment. But here’s the catch: because of their selective breeding, they can be a bit more fragile and require rare Betta care needs.

If their water quality drops, they’re prone to Alien Betta health issues like fin rot, ich, and other stress-related illnesses. Watch for Betta stress indicators like fading color, clamped fins, lethargy, or darting behavior.

Be sure to use a Master Test Kit to routinely test your tank’s water quality then make adjustments as needed. Maintaining consist water parameters without dramatic or frequent shifts is key to keeping your Betta happy and healthy.

And when Alien Bettas are happy and healthy, their colors will speak for themselves.

Display Tips: Showcasing Your Alien Betta

Show off your Alien Betta in a 5-10 gallon tank with adjustable LED lights

To be honest, Alien Bettas were made to be admired. So why not set them up for maximum impact?

Solo tanks between 5 and 10 gallons are best. They aren’t too cramped nor too spacious. And no, Betta fish can not thrive in tiny cups of water, contrary to popular myths.

Don’t forget, dark backgrounds are best to showcase Betta fish and make them the star of the tank. Aquarium lighting for Betta fish is important. With adjustable LED lights, you can experiment with light tones. Sometimes, a cooler tone will pop the blues and greens, while warmer tones bring out reds and purples.

Want to go the extra mile? Set your Alien Betta’s tank at eye level and place it somewhere with natural side lighting. When people walk into the room, it’s the first thing they see. In less than a second, it’s sure they’ll be asking about your “space fish.”

That’s the beauty of keeping a visual impactful fish. When done right, you don’t just have a pet, you have a centerpiece.

Conclusion: A Rare Jewel for the Modern Aquarist

Owning an Alien Betta is like adding a piece of living art to your aquarium. With their iridescent scales, interesting hybrid background, and bold personality, they’re the ultimate Betta fish centerpiece for anyone looking to upgrade their aquatic pet game.

Yes, they take a bit more care, and they can be a little feisty. But if you’re up for the challenge, the reward is an out-of-this-world fish. The Alien Betta fish is an exotic aquarium fish meant for aquarists who appreciate the rare and unusual.

So, whether you’re building a futuristic tank or just want something unique to admire every day, the Alien Betta is ready to impress. Give it the space, care, and attention it deserves, and you’ll have a rare fish for display tanks that lives up to every bit of its reputation.

Author’s Note: As a bonus for making it to the end of this post, we recommend checking out the 9 Extremely Rare Types of Betta Fish for even more beautiful and unique Betta varieties!

Please share your experiences and pictures of your Betta Fish in the comment box below.