Female Betta (Betta splendens)

Female bettas carry the same anabantoid biology as the males, including the labyrinth organ that lets them gulp air at the surface, but shorter fins mean far less of the visual aggression display that makes males impossible to house together. Look closely between the ventral fins and you can usually spot the ovipositor, a small white dot used during spawning that males don't have. They're still not fully community-safe with each other; a group needs real space and a stable pecking order to settle without one fish getting singled out.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful (semi-aggressive in groups) · Max size: ~2.5" · Min tank: 5 gal (10+ for a sorority) · Diet: Carnivore, betta pellets + frozen