The ULTIMATE Guide to the Koi Galaxy Betta Fish - All You Need To Know

The Galaxy Koi betta fish is a stunningly beautiful breed of betta that stands out from the rest. With its bright blue spots against a deep black background, it truly looks like a starry night sky - not dissimilar to that of our own galaxy! This unique pattern has made this breed of betta incredibly popular amongst aquarists and hobbyists alike.

In this blog post, we invite you to join us on a journey as we explore the fascinating world of the Galaxy Koi betta fish. Together, let's learn about their unique characteristics, intriguing behavior, and care requirements needed for optimal health. We'll cover everything from feeding habits to preferred tank setups - so, let's get started!

1. What is Galaxy Koi Betta?

The Galaxy Koi betta is a beautiful and unique fish popular among aquarists.  These fish have been bred selectively since the 1990s in Thai Lan and make attractive additions to any aquarium. They are distinguished by their black background with scattered, contrasting colors that provide an eye-catching galactic effect. The marble effect gives these fish their distinctive look, making them one of the most sought-after varieties of betta fish.

The Galaxy Koi betta is not just beautiful; it also has a very strong personality. These fish are active and curious, always eager to explore their environment and investigate their surroundings. They’re also quite playful and enjoy engaging in activities like chasing each other around the aquarium or playing hide-and-seek under rocks and plants. Additionally, they’re relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for both experienced and novice aquarists alike.

Image of one of the first Galaxy betta fish in Thailand.

2. Classification and names

Until now, aquarium enthusiasts have been familiar with the line of Koi Galaxy bettas. They are divided into several lines with different names and colors. Here are some of the popular strains of fish.

2.1. Black Blue Galaxy

The Black Blue Galaxy Betta is a stunning and unique breed of betta fish. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful betta fish you should own. They have deep black bodies with dazzling blue spots that seem to be sprinkled across the surface like stars in the night sky. The combination of colors creates an otherworldly effect, bringing to mind images of galaxies far away in the cosmos. Besides, this fish line is also known as Galaxy Avatar - inspired by the famous movie of the same name. When looking into their eyes, one can almost imagine being transported back in time, gazing out at a boundless expanse of twinkling lights and mysterious planets.

Below is a picture of this wonderful line of fish.

A beautiful Black Blue Galaxy betta fish.

2.2. Koi Galaxy

When the body of a betta koi appears scattered with iridescent scales, usually blue or white, it is called a Koi Galaxy.

A Koi Galaxy betta fish.

2.3. Nemo Galaxy

Similarly, when a Nemo Betta has iridescent scales on its body, it is referred to as a "Nemo Galaxy" by breeders.

A Nemo Galaxy betta fish.

2.4. Candy Galaxy

Once the Marbled effect affects the Candy, and its body appears with iridescent scales, it will be called a Candy Galaxy.

A Candy Galaxy betta fish.

2.5. Yellow Galaxy

Once a yellow koi betta has blue, iridescent scales on its body, it will be referred to as a "yellow galaxy".

A Yellow Galaxy betta fish.

2.6. Red Galaxy

Once a Red Koi Betta has blue or white iridescent scales scattered across its body, it is called a Red Galaxy.

A Red Galaxy betta fish.

2.7. Galaxy Copper

The name "Galaxy Copper" will be given to a copper betta fish when it has scattered iridescent scales on its body.

A Galaxy Copper betta fish.

2.8. Multi Galaxy

When a Koi betta appears with colors such as red, white, blue, and even yellow, and with scattered iridescent scales, it is called a Multi galaxy.

A Multi Galaxy betta fish.

There are so many different names for this strain of fish. Besides, they are also called by their tail type and accompanying phenotype such as Halfmoon, Plakat, Crowntail, or even Giant.

3. Overview of Galaxy Koi Betta

3.1. Size

The word "Galaxy" refers to the iridescent scales scattered on the body of a fish, so it does not affect its size. A Galaxy betta fish can be either large or small depending on its phenotype. For example, the Plakat line is usually 2 to 4 cm in size, while long-tailed lines like Halfmoon and Superdelta will tend to be larger, ranging from 3 to 6 cm. Giant fish are even larger, usually exceeding 7 cm in size.

3.2. Lifespan

The phenotypes of Galaxy bettas do not affect their lifespans. Like other bettas, they can live between 2 and 3 years in captivity and up to 5 years with proper care.

In general, the life expectancy of a galaxy betta depends on the level of care it receives. A well-maintained aquarium with clean water and regular water changes will ensure that your fish has a long and healthy life. Additionally, providing them with plenty of hiding spaces and plants in the tank will help protect them from stressors such as other aggressive tank mates or sudden temperature changes.

3.3. The behavior

Much like other Marble fish lines, Koi Galaxy betta fish are known for their active and aggressive nature. They can be quite territorial and prefer to have their own space when interacting with other fish, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. They are very interactive with their owners and love to explore their environment. These fishes enjoy swimming around the tank but should not be overstocked due to their territorial nature. Besides, Galaxy bettas need plenty of hiding spots in the aquarium such as caves, logs, plants, etc., which will help them feel secure and comfortable in their environment.

3.4. Prices

Koi Galaxy bettas are one of the most beautiful varieties of betta fish, with their bright colors and patterns. The price of them can vary depending on a few different factors, including size, color, and rarity. Generally speaking, these fish can range anywhere from $10 to $150 or more. For those looking for a higher quality fish with unique coloring, they may be willing to pay the higher end of this range.

The rarity of this betta line also plays into its price. If you find a few exceptionally rare individuals with unique color combinations that aren't often seen in this variety, you can expect to pay more for it.

Finally, where you purchase your fish plays a role in its price. Many pet stores have bettas of varying prices available. However, if you look online or at specialty retailers, the prices may be higher due to their limited availability. Before making any purchases, research different options and compare pricing before settling on a seller.

A Koi Red Galaxy betta fish.

4. Care

The Koi Galaxy Betta is a very adaptable fish, but not everyone knows how to raise them properly so that they attain the best color and development.

Here is my experience with Betta Koi Galaxy farming.

4.1. Water Environment

It is imperative that fish farmers use clean, chemical-free water, especially without chlorine. The pH level needs to be between 6-8; if it is too high or low, it will adversely affect the growth of betta fish.

The most suitable temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Depending on the number of fish kept in the tank and the size of the aquarium, the time for water changes will vary.

Usually, it should be changed twice a week and about 30% of the old water should be kept. If the tank is small and has many fish, it should be changed more often to avoid having the water become too dirty and lacking oxygen for the fish.

4.2. Food and nutrition

Betta fish food is very diverse; it can be in fresh form, pellet form, and frozen food.

However, if you want the fish to grow quickly and have beautiful colors, you should prioritize worms. This is because it is the nutrient-rich food that they love the most.

In addition, if you have time, you can mince shrimp in brine, and feeding them is also a very good and effective way.

No matter what betta fish eat, it is important to pay attention to the timing of feeding. It is not good to feed betta fish a lot; you should only feed them 1-2 times a day, as feeding them too much can cause them to die from being overfull.

4.3. Light

One of the important factors that people often forget when keeping a betta fish is light.

The Betta aquarium should be placed in a cool place and not exposed to direct sunlight.

Leaving the aquarium in places that are too dark or airtight can cause the galaxy betta fish to lack oxygen and may lead to unwanted diseases.

Preparing aquarium lights is an effective way; however, they should only be turned on for no more than 8 hours a day and switched on during the day.

A Black Blue Galaxy betta fish.

5. Diseases

Koi Galaxy Bettas are a popular fish species, and with them come the potential for disease. Common diseases include bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasitic infestations, and viruses. While these diseases can be difficult to treat once they take hold, there are certain methods that aquarium owners can use to help prevent them from occurring in the first place.

The most important method of prevention involves maintaining good water quality for your fish. Regularly changing water is essential to preventing disease build-up as it helps keep harmful bacteria at bay. Additionally, using a filter on your aquarium can also help reduce the number of pathogens present in the tank. 

Using aquarium treatments such as antibiotics or anti-fungal medications can also help to prevent disease outbreaks in bettas. These treatments should be used as directed and only when necessary, as overusing these medications could lead to further health issues. 

Finally, good nutrition is essential for keeping your Koi Galaxy Bettas healthy and free from disease. Providing them with a balanced diet of freeze-dried or live food will ensure that they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong. Furthermore, feeding your fish two or three times a day prevents overeating which can create an imbalance in their internal systems and make them more susceptible to diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a truly unique fish that is full of beautiful colors and personality, the Koi Galaxy betta is an excellent choice. With patience and dedication, they can make an excellent addition to any home aquarium. Remember that while they are low-maintenance fish, their care should not be taken lightly; do your research and ensure you have plenty of resources to provide them with the best possible environment. If you still have questions or would like to know more about this species, please feel free to leave comments in the comment section below!