Choosing a betta from well over a hundred fish in the aquarium store was much more difficult than I had expected. Every aquarium seemed to contain another beautiful individual with its own colours, finnage and personality. One fish displayed brilliant blues, another deep reds, while others had unusual marble patterns or spectacular fins. After spending quite some time making up my mind, I finally chose Ogi, and now that he has settled into his new home, I couldn’t be happier with that decision.

Ogi is a male crowntail betta. His colouring is quite difficult to describe accurately because it changes noticeably depending on the light and the camera. In photographs, he often appears more yellow or peach-coloured than he does in reality. His body is actually much lighter, almost white, with soft pink and pale orange tones. There are also beautiful metallic blue highlights at the bases of his fins. Whenever he turns in the light, these blue areas suddenly become much more vivid.

The combination suits my aquarium particularly well. The background is dark, and much of the decoration consists of dark wood, black stones and reddish-brown leaves. Against these colours, Ogi’s pale body immediately catches the eye. His long orange fins seem almost illuminated as he glides through the darker areas of the aquarium. At times, especially against the black background, he resembles a small underwater flame.

One of the most fascinating features of Ogi is naturally his crowntail finnage. In a crowntail betta, the membrane between the fin rays is reduced, leaving the rays extending beyond it. This creates the spiky appearance that gives the variety its name. When the fins are fully spread, the rays resemble the points of a crown.

The effect is especially visible in Ogi’s tail, dorsal fin and long anal fin. His fin rays form dozens of narrow points, giving him a very delicate yet dramatic outline. Some of the rays even divide near their ends, creating an even more intricate appearance. When he turns quickly, the fins flow gracefully behind him, but when he pauses or displays them fully, the crown shape becomes unmistakable.

The crowntail form can look surprisingly different depending on the viewing angle. From the side, Ogi’s fins appear long and elegant, while from behind they form an almost circular pattern with the rays spreading like the sun. In certain photographs, he looks considerably larger than he actually is simply because his fins occupy so much space.

His finnage also provides an interesting contrast to Roja, the female betta sharing the aquarium with him. Roja is a halfmoon betta, a variety known for its broad, rounded tail. Being female, her fins are naturally much shorter, but the difference in shape is still obvious. Ogi carries the delicate crown-like rays, while Roja’s fins create a softer and more rounded silhouette.

Although male bettas are often known for their territorial behaviour, Ogi has so far proven to be remarkably gentle. I watched both fish carefully when they were first introduced, expecting at least some disagreement. Instead, they settled surprisingly quickly.

In fact, Roja is currently the more confident of the two. She is curious, determined and particularly enthusiastic at feeding time. Occasionally she pushes Ogi aside or chases him for a moment, but he usually responds simply by moving away rather than confronting her. He almost seems willing to let her have her own way.

Naturally, betta behaviour can change as fish become fully established or enter breeding condition, so I continue to observe them closely. The aquarium contains plenty of plants, driftwood and hiding places, allowing each fish to retreat whenever it wishes. At the moment, however, Ogi appears completely relaxed.

His calm personality is one of the reasons I enjoy watching him so much. Despite his spectacular appearance, he behaves with surprising gentleness, and the contrast between his dramatic fins and peaceful temperament is rather charming.

It did not take Ogi long to learn the daily routine either. Bettas are intelligent, observant fish and quickly associate certain movements or people with feeding time.

He already has his own favourite feeding position. As soon as I approach the aquarium, he swims directly to the same place and waits. Roja has learned exactly the same routine, so both fish are usually ready long before the food reaches the water.

Some of the foods appeared unfamiliar at first. They inspected small flakes rather cautiously before deciding they were worth eating. As time passes, I expect both fish will become accustomed to a varied diet designed specifically for bettas.

Another thing I find interesting is whether Ogi’s colours will change over the coming months. Bettas often alter their appearance slightly as they mature, adapt to a new environment or receive a different diet. Lighting also has a surprisingly strong influence on how their colours appear.

Food may enhance some pigments, particularly orange and red shades, although genetics ultimately determine the final result. Ogi may remain almost white, or his warm orange tones and metallic blue highlights may gradually become stronger.

The aquarium lighting itself changes his appearance dramatically. Under warmer light he seems almost golden, while under neutral light his body looks considerably whiter. Cameras also tend to exaggerate the yellow and orange shades, which is why photographs rarely show him exactly as he appears to the naked eye.

Whatever happens, I hope he retains at least some of his pale colouring. Against the darker aquascape, the contrast is striking and makes him stand out beautifully.

It will also be fascinating to see how Ogi’s relationship with Roja develops in the future. For now they live together peacefully, although there is always some uncertainty when keeping a male and female betta in the same aquarium. Their behaviour may change as they mature, establish territories or become interested in breeding.

Perhaps one day Ogi will begin building a bubble nest beneath the floating plants, and perhaps the pair will eventually spawn. If that happens, I will naturally observe them carefully, as breeding behaviour can include chasing and occasional fin damage.

For now, however, the most important thing is simply that both fish appear healthy, comfortable and relaxed in their shared home.

After the challenge of choosing from so many beautiful bettas, Ogi has proven to be exactly the right fish. His pale body, metallic blue highlights and spectacular orange crown make him different from every angle, while his calm and gentle personality makes him a pleasure to watch every day.

He has already learned where dinner is served, accepted Roja’s confident nature and found his place in my little pond in the north. I am looking forward to seeing how both his colours and his story continue to develop.