Explore 21 Unique and Different Types of Betta Fish
Betta fish, known for their vibrant colors and unique personalities, captivate aquarists around the world. With their stunning fins and remarkable flair, they are delightful to watch and even more exciting to care for. This guide explores the different types of betta fish available, helping you identify which ones catch your eye.
Whether you’re a new hobbyist or a seasoned enthusiast, this article will introduce you to 21 diverse betta varieties. Dive in and discover the beauty of these fascinating fish, and maybe find the perfect one to brighten up your aquarium!
21 Different Types of Betta Fish
1. Veiltail
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- Tail Shape: Long, flowing downward
- Common Colors: Available in various colors
- Popularity: Most common and widely available type
The Veiltail is perhaps the most recognized betta fish, known for its iconic long, flowing tail that elegantly drapes down. Its variety in colors and widespread availability make it a favorite among beginners and seasoned aquarists alike.
2. Crowntail
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- Tail Shape: Spiky, with rays extending beyond the fin webbing
- Common Colors: Various, often vibrant
- Popularity: Highly popular due to dramatic appearance
Crowntail bettas are admired for their distinctive spiky tails that resemble a crown. The extended rays of their tail fins create a bold and dramatic look, making them a standout choice for those looking to add visual flair to their aquarium.
3. Halfmoon
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- Tail Shape: Full 180-degree spread that resembles a half-moon
- Common Colors: All, with vibrant combinations
- Popularity: Sought after for competitive shows
The Halfmoon betta is renowned for its spectacular tail that fans out into a perfect semicircle, resembling a half-moon. This variety is highly prized in betta shows for its impressive and complete 180-degree tail spread, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate aesthetic perfection.
4. Double Tail
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Split into two distinct lobes
- Common Colors: Comes in a wide range of colors
- Popularity: Unique appearance attracts dedicated hobbyists
Double Tail bettas feature a unique tail split into two lobes, giving them a fascinating symmetrical appearance. This genetic mutation not only affects their tail but often results in a larger dorsal fin, adding to their exotic look.
5. Plakat
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- Tail Shape: Short and rounded, closer to wild-type bettas
- Common Colors: All colors, often vibrant and striking
- Popularity: Favored for its traditional look and vigorous health
Plakat bettas boast a short, rounded tail that mirrors the traditional fighting fish found in nature. Known for their vigor and less prone to fin issues, Plakats are favored by enthusiasts who admire the agility and resilience of bettas closer to their wild ancestors.
6. Super Delta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Spreads less than a Halfmoon but more than a Delta
- Common Colors: All possible, often rich and vibrant
- Popularity: Appreciated by those who enjoy subtle beauty
Super Delta bettas are a stunning variety that showcases tail spreads approaching but not quite reaching the full half-moon shape. Their elegant and less extreme tail spread appeals to hobbyists who seek a blend of dramatic flair and traditional betta form, offering a subtle yet beautiful appearance.
7. Delta Tail
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Triangular, less than 180-degree spread
- Common Colors: Many colors, often vibrant
- Popularity: Favored for its simple yet elegant shape
Delta Tail bettas feature a tail that fans out in a triangular shape but doesn’t reach a full half-moon. Their graceful, symmetrical spread offers a delicate yet striking look that appeals to aquarists who appreciate simplicity.
8. Rose Tail
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: An exaggerated half-moon with a ruffled appearance
- Common Colors: Varies widely, often multicolored
- Popularity: Highly sought after for its intricate tail form
The Rose Tail betta takes the Halfmoon to another level with its excessive branching and overlapping fin rays, creating a ruffled, rose-like appearance. While beautiful, this tail shape requires special care due to its delicate and fragile nature.
9. Spade Tail
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Rounded base that ends in a sharp point
- Common Colors: All, often in striking combinations
- Popularity: Less common but unique in appearance
Spade Tail bettas possess a distinctive tail shape with a rounded base that tapers to a sharp point, resembling a spade playing card symbol. Though rare, this shape’s sharp, unique appearance makes it highly desirable for collectors looking for something different.
10. Dumbo Ear (Elephant Ear)
Image source: Pinterest
- Fin Shape: Large pectoral fins resembling elephant ears
- Common Colors: Various, often contrasting fin colors
- Popularity: Highly sought after for their distinctive pectoral fins
Dumbo Ear bettas have dramatically enlarged pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears, adding a unique visual appeal. Their oversized fins often contrast with their body color, creating an endearing and distinctive look that attracts many aquarists.
11. Paradise Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Long, flowing, and ornate
- Common Colors: Bright with iridescent patterns
- Popularity: Admired for its dramatic and exotic appearance
Paradise bettas are recognized for their long, flowing tails and bright, iridescent coloration. Their exotic appearance makes them a popular choice for those who want to add a dramatic and visually appealing fish to their aquarium.
12. King Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Size: Larger than typical bettas
- Common Colors: Often vibrant shades of red, blue, and turquoise
- Popularity: Popular for its bigger size and robust appearance
King Betta fish are known for their larger size, often reaching up to three inches. They typically feature vibrant colors such as red, blue, or turquoise, providing a more robust appearance than regular bettas while still maintaining the characteristic aggression.
13. Giant Betta
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- Size: Nearly twice as large as typical bettas
- Common Colors: Various, often bright
- Popularity: Favored for their impressive size and boldness
Giant bettas are bred for their large size, often reaching twice the length of typical bettas. Their larger-than-life appearance provides a striking contrast when placed next to other fish, making them a bold choice for hobbyists who want something unique.
14. Dragon Scale
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- Scale Appearance: Thick and metallic-like scales
- Common Colors: Rich hues, often red or copper
- Popularity: Highly prized for its striking, armor-like appearance
Dragon Scale bettas are known for their thick, metallic-like scales, giving them a vivid, armored look. Their rich coloration, typically red or copper, coupled with their dramatic scales, makes them highly sought after by betta enthusiasts.
15. Bicolor Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Various shapes, including Veil Tail, Halfmoon, and Crowntail
- Common Colors: Two-tone combinations of contrasting colors
- Popularity: Sought after for their striking dual-color patterns
Bicolor Bettas are admired for their distinctive two-tone appearance, where the body and fins feature contrasting shades. For instance, a body in deep blue might be paired with bright red fins. This striking combination makes them captivating in aquariums, offering a unique visual appeal.
16. Albino Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Usually Veil Tail or Plakat
- Common Colors: Pure white or translucent pink
- Popularity: Rare and treasured for its genetic uniqueness
Albino Bettas have a pure white or translucent pink appearance due to a lack of pigmentation. Their pale color and pinkish eyes make them extremely rare and desirable, though they require special care due to potential genetic weaknesses associated with albinism.
17. Cellophane Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Various, often Halfmoon or Crowntail
- Common Colors: Almost translucent, sometimes with subtle iridescence
- Popularity: Uniquely transparent, creating a delicate and ghostly look
Cellophane Bettas feature translucent bodies and fins, making them look almost ghostly. Some may have subtle iridescent shades, giving them a delicate and ethereal quality. Their near-transparency offers a distinct visual experience that sets them apart from other varieties.
18. Lavender Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Commonly Halfmoon or Veil Tail
- Common Colors: A blend of purple and pink hues
- Popularity: Loved for its gentle and unusual color palette
Lavender Bettas have a gentle blend of purple and pink hues, giving them a unique pastel coloration that isn’t commonly seen in other betta varieties. Their soft color palette makes them popular among aquarists seeking something unusual yet pleasing to the eye.
19. Chocolate Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Usually Veil Tail or Plakat
- Common Colors: Rich brown body with contrasting fins
- Popularity: Appreciated for its warm, earthy coloration
Chocolate Bettas have a rich, brown body, often paired with contrasting yellow or orange fins. This warm and earthy coloration provides a unique and attractive option for betta enthusiasts, bringing a distinctive warmth to their aquariums.
20. Orange Dalmatian Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Often Veil Tail or Halfmoon
- Common Colors: Orange body and fins speckled with darker spots
- Popularity: Desired for its unique speckled pattern
Orange Dalmatian Bettas feature an orange base color with speckled darker spots across their fins and bodies. This pattern mimics the appearance of a dalmatian, creating a distinctive and charming look that adds visual interest to any aquarium setup.
21. Turquoise Betta
Image source: Pinterest
- Tail Shape: Typically Halfmoon or Veil Tail
- Common Colors: Vivid turquoise body with contrasting fins
- Popularity: Coveted for its vibrant and dazzling coloration
Turquoise Bettas display a vivid turquoise body that stands out brilliantly in aquariums. Paired with contrasting fins, their vibrant and dazzling coloration makes them highly prized among collectors who want a bright and eye-catching addition to their betta fish collection.
