Getting a betta fish is an exciting time! You have a new pet to love and take care of, and it will bring you joy every day. One of the most exciting parts of getting a new betta is giving your fish a name. This creates a bond with the fish and helps you distinguish the fish from others. Naming a fish can sometimes be a difficult task, but if you observe your fish and do a little brainstorming you will be able to find the perfect fit.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Determining the Gender of Your Betta Fish
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Compare the fins. Male betta fish typically have longer fins than females. Fully grown male bettas will have long flowy fins, but female bettas have shorter, less frilly fins. [1] X Research source
- Young male bettas may still have short fins, so only use fin length to determine the gender of full grown bettas.
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Look for an egg sac. Female betta fish have an egg sac on their bellies. The egg sac looks like a tiny white dot, no bigger than a grain of salt. If your fish has an egg sac, it is most likely a female.Advertisement
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Your betta's fins can also help you determine its gender. Males tend to be more colorful and have longer fins.Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Observing Your Fish
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View the colors of your fish. Betta fish come in many different colors, and the color can look different when it shimmers in the light. Take some time to notice all of the different hues of your betta’s scales. [2] X Research source
- Names like Rainbow, Coral, or Shimmer could be good names.
- Try using different languages to describe the colors. A name like Rûng, the Thai word for rainbow, would be great since betta fish are also called siamese fighting fish.
- Try putting the fish bowl near a window to see what your fish looks like in sunlight.
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Observe the way your fish swims. Each individual fish is unique, so their behavior will be slightly different. Some fish might swim quickly around the bowl, or dart back and forth, but others may swim very calmly, or just float in one place for a while.
- The swimming pattern of your fish can help you give it a name to match its personality. Names like Speedy, Slowpoke, Zipper, or Turtle could work.
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Notice where your betta likes to hangout. Sometimes, looking at where your fish likes to stay or sleep can help you come up with a name.
- Does your fish hide in the leaves of a plant? You could name it Heidi.
- Is your fish always resting at the bottom of the bowl? A name like Lazy Bones or Droopy would be appropriate.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Naming Your Fish
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Brainstorm a list of names. Write down every name that comes into your mind when thinking about your fish. Keep going until you have a nice size list of names to choose from. [3] X Research source
- Don’t worry about writing down names you think are silly. When you brainstorm you want to write down everything that comes to mind.
- Try using the betta’s color with a noun to create a name. For example, a name like “Red Fighter”, “Blue Swimmer”, “Green Monster”, or “Yellow Angel” might work.
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Say the names out loud. Go through your list of names, and say each one out loud to your fish. Try using each name in a sentence talking about your fish. See how it makes you feel when you call your fish by each name.
- Notice if your fish makes a reaction to one of the names by swimming towards you or doing something different.
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Get the opinions of others. If you are stuck trying to brainstorm a name, try getting help from others. Invite people over to meet your new fish and ask them what they would name it, or show your list to your friends and family to see which name they think is best. [4] X Research source
- You can also post a picture or video of your fish on social media and ask people what the name should be.
- It might help to research some commonly used names for fish like Bubbles, Finney, Sushi, or Stripes.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat do I name it if it stays in one spot every day only swimming out to see me or to eat?Community AnswerName him something mysterious!
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QuestionDo betta fish like bright colors?CaeiiaTop AnswererNot really: bright colors can spook the fish. If there is a fish with the betta with bright colors, the betta will flare and become aggressive, thinking it is a rival.
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QuestionWill a betta survive in a warm bedroom?AwesomeSaucyCommunity AnswerYes, bettas do fine in warm water. Keep the water temperature a little colder than room temperature, though.
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Tips
- It may take a couple of days before you come up with that perfect name for your fish, so don’t get discouraged if you haven’t named it right away.Thanks
- Although it’s nice to have help from others, choosing a name for your fish is ultimately your decision. You shouldn’t worry if you don’t take their suggestions, and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about the name you finally choose. It is your fish!Thanks
- It’s okay to try out a name for a day or two and then change it to something else.Thanks
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References
About this article
Article Summary
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To name your betta fish, start by brainstorming a list of names that come to mind when you think about your fish. If you’re struggling to come up with names, use your betta’s color for inspiration, like “Green Monster” or “Blue Swimmer.” Alternatively, watch your fish’s behavior and choose a name that describes it, such as “Lazy Bones” if it likes resting at the bottom of the bowl or “Heidi” if it likes to hide among leaves. You can also get inspiration from others by posting a picture of your fish on social media or asking friends who visit you. For tips on how to determine the sex of your fish before naming it, read on!
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