Dumbo

Dumbo bettas are domestic Betta splendens selected for enlarged pectoral fins that fan out beside the head like small ears. The name is a hobby term, and the same form is also sold as elephant ear betta. Those pectorals may be solid white, matching the body color, or patterned in contrast, and the trait can appear on plakats, halfmoons, deltas, dragon scales, koi-patterned fish, and other fancy types. Apart from the pectoral fins, their body shape and behavior remain recognizably betta.

Large pectoral fins add movement and display, but they should not be treated as decoration alone. A healthy dumbo betta uses both fins evenly, rises easily for air, and can feed without being pushed around by current. Aquariums should have warm water, a covered surface with access to air, gentle filtration, and broad-leaved plants or smooth rests near the top. Fin damage is easier to miss on pale pectorals, so routine observation helps catch fraying, redness, or fungus early. Breeding dumbo lines can produce variable pectoral size and color, and responsible selection favors fish that swim normally over fish with the largest possible ears.

Colors: Alien, Bicolor, Butterfly, Cambodian, Cellophane, Copper, Crowntail, Delta, Double Tail, Dragon Scale, Dumbo, Elephant Ear, Galaxy Koi, Grizzle, Halfmoon, Koi, Marble, Metallic, Multicolor, Mustard Gas, Nemo, Plakat, Rosetail, Samurai, Solid, Super Delta, Veiltail, Wild Type