The marine betta is a marine fish that was all the rage when we were first getting into the hobby in the mid 90s. Among all of the tropical reef fish that we keep in our aquariums, there’s no other group of fish that has quite the list of unique features as Calloplesiops altivelis.
Marine bettas have prodigious fins, super long pelvic fins, a unique white spotted pattern on a dark body and an obvious eyespot. Together their body shape and unusual habit helps to fool would-be predators into thinking it is a moray eel when it only extends its tail from the holes and crevices it likes to hide in.
A new video by one very creative aquarium fish videographer, Alfredo Reis Deus, spotlights this once highly sought after reef aquarium fish during a very special time, twilight. Since our controllable LED aquarium lights are fully programmable, it’s now easier than ever to schedule some prime time viewing of marine bettas and other ‘crepuscular’ fish that are most comfortable in reduced lighting.
This new production reveals the complex behavior that some fish demonstrate during twilight as well as the very hardy and great aquarium fish that marine bettas can be. So take a closer look next time you see a marine betta at your LFS and be sure to spend a little extra time watching your own reef tank as the lights start to dim for the night.