How To Take Care of A Veiltail Betta Fish: The Ultimate Guide

The veil tail betta, one of the most popular types seen in pet stores today, was developed by American breeder Warren Young in 1960. The veiltail is characterized by its extended finnage length and non-symmetrical tail; caudal fin rays usually only split once to form the distinctive veil-like shape. Betta enthusiasts often find these beauties captivating due their unique body shapes and vibrant colors. 

In this post we'll cover everything you need to know about setting up the ideal environment and providing top-notch nutrition, as well as offer advice on keeping your veiltail betta happy and healthy over its lifespan of several years. So read on if you want help creating an aquatic paradise suited perfectly for your special scaley friend.

A Purple Veiltail Betta Fish

1. What is veiltail betta fish?

Veil-tail betta fish are some of the most popular and sought-after varieties of fish in the aquarium hobby. They were first developed by American breeder Warren Young in 1960 when he successfully created a mutation that caused short-finned bettas to have longer fins. This breakthrough led to the creation of the veil tail variety, which was aptly named after his wife, Libby. 

A mutation caused short-finned bettas to have longer fins. And the veil tail was created. 

Veil tails hang down when the betta is not flaring, and are not much to look at even when bettas flare. The tail is larger at the base, but almost immediately narrows down. 

It is asymmetrical, meaning that if you divide the tail horizontally you would end up with 2 non-identical parts. 

All pet store bettas are Veiltail, and it is no longer a desirable tail shape. In addition, in the past, there were several lines of fish also derived from longtail fish such as round tail and spadetail, but today, along with longtail and chiffon, they have almost disappeared. disappeared from the market due to a lack of competition with other modern ornamental bettas such as Halfmoon, Plakat, Crowtail, or Double tail.

It is my understanding that veil tails are not even allowed to compete on the show circuit anymore, and there is also no standard to judge a veil tails betta considered "beautiful". Hence, breeding pet store bettas is a huge waste of your time because you will never get quality finnage.

2. Veiltail betta fish facts

2.1. The ability to grow

VeilTail betta fish are renowned for their hardy gene pool and is exceptionally easy to care for. They are appearance may not be as attractive as other types of bettas but that hasn't stopped them from thriving in the last decade.

The primary trait that makes the VeilTail so appealing is its dominant gene, which guarantees that its traits will be passed on to generations that follow. This type of betta is also known for its good fertility rate, making them great options for breeding if desired. Additionally, these fish tend to have good survivability rates in captivity, meaning they can easily outlast other varieties while still providing vibrant colors and healthy fins. 

As a bonus, they cost much less than other varieties of betta fish, usually ranging from 2 to 5 dollars per adult fish. 

Overall, VeilTail betta fish are ideal for newcomers or aquarists with limited time due to their affordability, ease of care, and good fertility rate. With a bit of patience and regular cleaning, these fish will reward their keepers with plenty of vibrant colors and long-lasting beauty.

2.2. Size

Veiltail Betta Fish are known for their long, flowing fins and tail which give them a unique look. In comparison to other betta lines such as Plakat, they have a larger overall body size due to their long tails and fins.

On average, they are 1.5 to 2 inches in total length - or 3.5 to 5 centimeters - from the head to the tip of their tail. A juvenile Veiltail will typically take up to 8 weeks before reaching its full adult.

However, because fish size can vary depending on age, source of breed, habitat, and nutrition, it is possible that some Veiltail Bettas may be larger than others. During this time, the fish should be provided with a healthy diet of high-quality fish food and plenty of clean water for optimal growth.

2.3. Lifespan

VeilTail bettas have a shorter lifespan than other types of bettas. On average, they live from two to three years in captivity. This is significantly lower compared to other species like Half-moon and Crown Tail bettas which can live up to five years in captivity. 

To increase their lifespan of them, there are some simple steps you can take such as providing them with clean water and keeping their tank temperature between 78°F to 82°F (26°C - 28°C). Additionally, providing your fish with nutritious food and plenty of hiding places within the tank will encourage activity and help them stay healthy. It’s also important to perform regular water changes and use filters to help keep their environment clean and free from toxins. With proper care, VeilTail bettas can have just as long of a lifespan as other types of betta fish.

A Veiltail betta with a long tail

2.3. The Behavior

VeilTails can be quite active and playful, swimming around their tank all day long. They will flare up at each other if they feel threatened but this is usually harmless behavior. When it comes to interacting with humans, They are less likely to bite than other types of bettas. In fact, some owners have even reported that their fish recognize them when being fed! 

As with most bettas, VeilTails enjoy having places to hide such as plants and rocks. They should be kept in an aquarium of at least two gallons so they have enough space to move around and explore. They should also be provided with a variety of foods to keep them healthy, such as live or freeze-dried worms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. 

Overall, They are peaceful creatures, but they will defend their territory if threatened by another fish. They make good tank mates with other peaceful species as long as there is plenty of room to swim around.

2.4. Male

The VeilTail Betta male is a stunning fish with its flowing, veil-like tail fin that reaches across the body of the fish. The typical color pattern for a VeilTail betta is either solid or marbleized and can range from deep blues and purples to vibrant reds and yellows. These beautiful fish have a triangular-shaped heads with large eyes, long fins, and pointed tails – all of which contribute to their graceful movements in the water.

2.5. Femal

Female VeilTail Bettas are smaller than their male counterparts, they typically range in size from 1.25 inches to 1.75 inches long. They have a more slender body shape with longer tail fins than the males. The female VeilTail has an overall lighter coloration than the males, often having bright reds, blues, and yellows. These colors can be enhanced through proper nutrition and tank maintenance. 

Female VeilTails are less aggressive than males due to their smaller size and lack of territorial instinct which is common among the males of this species. However, these fish still require plenty of space for swimming and interaction with other fish. Within their own species, females are often less likely to engage in combat and will generally avoid physical contact. They do however enjoy being in the presence of other VeilTail Bettas as long as they have plenty of space and hiding places. When kept alone, it is important to provide frequent mental stimulation so that these fish don’t get lonely or stressed out too easily.

A Veiltail Betta fish with two colors red and white.

3. Veiltail Betta Care

Veiltail Betta fish are relatively easier to keep than other Betta line. Here are the details:

3.1. Tank size

When deciding on the size of the tank for a Veiltail betta fish, it is important to choose one that meets its needs and provides them with enough space to thrive. A Veiltail betta fish should be kept in an aquarium of at least 2.5 gallons. This size gives the fish room to swim around freely while also providing ample space to hide and explore its environment. Additionally, larger tanks are beneficial because they can help promote better water quality and allow the betta fish more room to express natural behaviors like building nests or swimming longer distances. 

Ideally, when setting up a tank for a Veiltail betta fish, you should aim for between 5-10 gallons of water. This will provide plenty of space for them to swim around, hide and explore their environment. Additionally, a larger tank can help with maintaining water quality as it will have more surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize and filter the water. Furthermore, if you intend to keep multiple bettas in the same tank, a larger size is necessary as they are very territorial fish and need adequate space between themselves to reduce aggression.

3.2. Food & diet

A varied diet of high-quality frozen or freeze-dried foods such as bloodworms, tubifex worms, brine shrimp, and other live aquatic insects is essential for their health and well-being. In addition to this, it’s important to supplement their diet with occasional treats such as boiled peas or blanched lettuce leaves. If a Veiltail isn’t eating properly, then adding a few fresh vegetables into the tank can help boost their appetite. 

The key to providing a healthy diet for your Veiltail is variety. Not only should they have access to multiple types of food, but they should also be fed small portions several times throughout the day. This allows them to digest their meal better and prevents overfeeding, which can lead to health issues. Additionally, make sure that all food is scrubbed clean before giving it to your betta as this helps decrease the risk of contamination in the water.

3.3. Water parameters

Veiltail Bettas are hardy and easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for beginner aquarists. 

They require clean, warm water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.8 and a temperature between 76 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the nitrite levels should remain low (less than 0.5 ppm) while the nitrate levels should stay below 20 ppm. To help maintain these parameters there are several things you can do such as partial water changes weekly or biweekly and adding water conditioners to remove chlorine and ammonia.

It is also important to provide adequate filtration for your Veiltail. A good filter should not create too much current in the tank as Veiltails prefer still or slow-flowing water. You can also reduce levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates by adding live plants which will help keep your fish healthy. With the right care, they can easily survive up to four years in captivity. Therefore, if you are looking for an easy-to-care-for aquarium fish, then a Veiltail Betta may be perfect for you.

A blue Veiltail Betta fish with impressive fins.

3.4. Tank Mates

Veiltail bettas can make great tank mates with several other types of fish. With their peaceful temperament and low-maintenance nature, they are ideal additions to many community aquariums. Some excellent choices for their tank mates include tetras, corydoras catfish, dwarf gouramis, guppies, and some species of loaches and snails. 

Tetras are small schooling fish that come in a variety of sizes and colors. They are easy to care for and do best when kept in groups. Veiltails look particularly striking when paired with neon or Cardinal tetras due to their contrasting color patterns. 

Corydoras catfish are another popular choice for a Veiltail betta's tank mate. These bottom-dwelling fish are gentle and peaceful, and they help keep the tank tidy by scavenging for uneaten food. They also make great companions for Veiltails because of their similar size and temperament. 

Dwarf gouramis are small anabantids that come in many different color variations. They add flashes of color to the aquarium while remaining peaceful toward other fish. Like Veiltails, they prefer warm water temperatures and plenty of hiding spots in the form of plants or decorations. 

Guppies are another colorful option for adding some life to your tank. They can provide entertainment with their playful nature and come in a variety of striking colors. Guppies do well in groups, so several can be added to the tank without overcrowding it. 

Finally, loaches such as the Yoyo Loach or Clown Loach tend to get along well with Veiltails provided they have enough hiding spots. Snails like Nerite or Mystery snails are also good options because they help keep algae growth at bay while adding life and color to the aquarium. 

When selecting fish for a Veiltail betta’s tank, be sure to pick species that have similar water requirements and temperament. With the right combination of fish and thorough research into their care requirements, you can create a peaceful and harmonious aquarium environment for your bettas!

3.5. Common diseases

Veiltail betta fish are susceptible to many of the same common diseases that affect other types of fish, including Ich (also known as white spot disease), bacterial infections, and fungal infections.

Let's always keep an eye out for any signs of disease in your bettas and take action as soon as possible. Regularly checking on the health of your fish, doing regular water changes, and providing a high-quality diet are all key elements in keeping your fish healthy and happy. Taking these steps can help prevent many common diseases from developing in the first place.  With good care and regular monitoring, Veiltail bettas can remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.

A red Veiltail betta is swimming in water

4. Popular veiltail betta fish lines

Veiltail bettas offer an array of colors and patterns that can bring a beautiful aesthetic to your aquarium. They are one of the more popular varieties for breeding. These fish feature vibrant color combinations like yellow and red or gold and blue which makes them perfect for aquariums needing bright accents. Its unique fin arrangement also creates an interesting swimming pattern that adds to its appeal in an aquatic display. 

One of the standout varieties is the purple Veiltail. With deep purple coloring and a large flowing tail, this fish stands out in any tank. It is also known for being hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for beginner aquarists. 

You can follow the article, a collection of images and videos about Veiltail bettas, to learn more about this betta line.

5. Breeding

Breeding Veiltail betta fish can be a rewarding experience with some advantages over other strains. When compared to other betta strains, they have the benefit of being more fertile and also know how to raise their offspring better, making the breeding process more favorable for them. 

The reproductive process for Veiltail bettas is similar to that of other strains. The female will lay her eggs in a bubble nest created by the male, who then fertilizes them. After being laid, the eggs will hatch within 24-36 hours. The fry should then be transferred from the bubble nest into a separate tank or container where they can continue growing and developing without competition from adults for food or space.

Overall, Veiltail betta fish are not difficult to breed and make excellent parents if looked after properly. Their fertility and parenting skills can make them an ideal choice for those looking to start out in breeder circles.

Please see the article on breeding Betta fish for more detailed instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have gone in-depth with everything you need to know about Veiltails. You now know all there is to know about the best way to care for and how to breed them correctly. It takes a certain kind of dedication and love to properly care for betta fish, but it can be really rewarding. Plus, Veiltails’ stunning long tails make them particularly beautiful and eye-catching! Of course, all types of betta fish are worth your admiration and attention. If you’re inspired to venture into raising these amazing creatures, then you should definitely give them a try. We hope that this will make keeping and breeding underwater wonderful friends a lot easier. If you still have any questions about Veiltail betta fish after reading our post, please let me know in the comment section below so we can improve our guide even further!