Blue Mustard Betta: The Complete Guide

Last Updated on June 23, 2022

Did you know that there are a variety of betta species out there? Originally from Southeast Asia, bettas – scientifically called the betta splendens – are freshwater fish that are famous for their vibrant colors and wonderful fins.

If you are looking for options and a new pet fish that is beautiful, colorful, and can keep you company during those long hours at home, then betta fish might be a perfect choice for you. In this article, we will go into more detail about one of the most well-known species called the mustard gas bettas so sit back and prepare to learn all about them!

Blue mustard betta fish care sheet

Minimum Tank Size:5 Gallons
Diet:Carnivore, Protein-rich diet
Average Lifespan:3-5 years
Size:Approximately 2.5-3 inches
Disease:The common ones include popeye, fin rot, fin infection, and bacterial infection from leftover food
Decorations:Plants and toys
Tank Maintenance:Weekly partial water renewal with a water temperature of 72 to 82 Fahrenheit (22.2 – 27.8 Celcius)

What is mustard gas betta fish?

mustard gas betta

A mustard gas betta fish is a bi-colored (sometimes multi-colored) bettas that are produced by crossbreeding. Typically dark in color, this aquarium fish may appear with a blue or green body that has a shade of orange or mustard color fins.

Also referred to as the paradise betta, its color seems to be spreading outward from its body making them very pleasing to look at.

Care guide for your pet fish

Just like any other pets, bettas also require care and love to make sure that they experience the best life possible. Here are details and information on how to take care of your fish:

Aquarium size

A lot of people are confused about the right space to give for a betta. Since they are small and are usually kept in small containers in stores, many believe that bowls and vases are enough for their pet.

In fact, at least a minimum of a 5-gallon tank is recommended for your mustard gas betta so you need to invest in a spacious tank before bringing your fish home from the store. Decorating it with toys and plants will also be nice given the bettas’ inquisitive nature.

Also, betta fish need to be fed on a surface because of the labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air on the water surface. You also wouldn’t want these guys, with their wonderful and flowing heavy fins, tiring to reach the surface that’s why a shallow tank might be the best for them.

Related: What is the Best Betta Fish Tank Available?

Water Parameters

The best water temperature for your aquarium fish ranges from around 72 to 82 Fahrenheit (22.2 – 27.8 Celcius). To achieve this, having a ready heater and thermometer would be best to avoid your fish from getting a temperature shock.

When it comes to the water pH, it is crucial to maintain the best aquarium condition. For a healthy fish tank, make sure that the pH level ranges from 6.0 – 7.5 with a hardness of between 2 and 12 dKH.

Filtration

Pristine water quality is needed to ensure that your fish lives in a healthy environment. Installing a filtration system will help to maintain and achieve the cleanliness of your tank. However, you need to be careful not to use a filter that will cause the water flow of your fish tank to be strong. If it does, then you betta might have trouble swimming comfortably.

Remember to also carry out partial water change each week and clean the substrates as well.

Diet

Although mustard gas betta fish are classified as omnivores, they enjoy protein-rich food like pellets, flakes, frozen food, or live food such as insects, brine shrimp, blood worms, and daphnia.

Ideally, bettas should be fed twice a day but remember to not overfeed them as constipation and bloating is a common problem experienced by them.

Related: Best Food for Betta Fish to Keep it Full and Well

Behavior

Bettas are not just famous for their colors. They are also called the Siamese fighting fish and are notorious for being fierce fighters – but mostly male betta towards their own species.

If you are planning to create a community aquarium, consider first the personality of your fish. If your mustard gas fish is not so aggressive and is playful, then it is possible to introduce him to small numbers of tank mates.

Who knows? Maybe they can have many friends in your community tank!

Size

Bettas of this species generally grow to around three inches in length as a maximum, although many are smaller than that. Their growth rate usually depends on their genetic makeup and lineage.

Lifespan

The betta fish is a fairly long-lived animal. They can be expected to live for between three and five years, although they have been documented as living up to ten!

However, how well you take care of your pet’s needs and health – their living condition and the food they eat – will also contribute to how long they will live.

Sex

Identifying the sex of your betta fish is quite easy when the members are fully grown. Here is some information that will help you distinguish if your little friend is a male or female:

Male Betta

Male bettas are characterized by their beautiful and long fins. Their color is also more vivid and they tend to have longer and thinner bodies.

Since males are more aggressive towards each other, some people try to identify their betta’s sex by placing a mirror in the tank. A mirror will aggravate your betta and it might try to attack its reflection (which they would take for an opponent inside their container).

Female Betta

Female bettas are normally duller in color and have shorter fins which are ideally no longer than their heights. They also tend to be thicker and broader, with a small spot near the ventral fin called an ovipositor tube. It’s where they lay eggs!

How rare are they?

mustard gas betta in tank

To put it simply, mustard gas bettas are very rare. Originally bred by Jude Al about 20 years ago, the pure mustard bettas descended from those times are almost impossible to find. The ones we see now are mostly bred from a mustard gas male and another female species.

Many advertised mustard gas betta from a website or store is usually just a mere bi-colored fish with tail colors that resemble the genuine fish.

Color

Who knew that out-crossing this beautiful creature turned them into one of the most interesting and diverse fish? Here are the variety of exquisite colors that makes a mustard gas betta unique:

  • Blue
  • Green
  • Black
  • Blue and Orange
  • Dragonscale

Tail type

There are so many types of tails you can choose from when buying or breeding the mustard gas betta fish. You should definitely shop around before picking one out because there’s no standard form for their fins and tails which vary greatly among different stores!

  • Half moon
  • Full moon
  • Delta
  • Rose tail
  • Crowntail
  • Veiltail

Where can I buy mustard betta?

The colorfully named mustard gas betta fish are popular, but they’re also in short supply. That makes this species of fish a bit hard to find!

Fortunately for those who want these rare guys as pets, there’s one major place you can go: specialty breeders. Check out and order on websites such as on social media pages for breeder blogs or auctions.

Occasionally, you may find mustard gas bettas at fish stores but be extra cautious since not all are genuine.

Conclusion

The mustard gas betta is a beautiful, unique fish that will bring happiness and an exciting new look to your aquarium. They are easy to care for and their lifespan can last up to 5 years or more with proper diet and living conditions.

But before you rush out and buy one from the pet store or breeders, make sure you have enough room in your tank so they don’t feel cramped. If you spend some time researching how to take care of them properly, it’s possible that your new friend will be swimming around happily for many years!

Related: Samurai Betta Fish: Proper Care Guide