Betta fish, cherished for their stunning colors and flowing fins, are a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts, thriving in the warm, shallow waters of their Southeast Asian origins. These small freshwater fish, typically 2-3 inches long, display a dazzling array of hues, from fiery reds to shimmering blues, thanks to centuries of selective breeding. Their striking appearance and lively personalities make them ideal for small tanks, captivating hobbyists worldwide.
Known for their territorial nature, especially in males, these fish are often called “fighting fish” due to their aggressive displays of flaring gills and fins. They require individual housing or carefully chosen tank mates to avoid conflicts. Their spirited demeanor adds a dynamic flair to aquariums, making each fish a unique centerpiece for aquarists.
These fish adapt well to 5-10 gallon tanks with warm water (76-84°F) and gentle filtration to protect their delicate fins. They feed on high-protein pellets, flakes, or live foods like brine shrimp, requiring a balanced diet to maintain their vibrant colors and health. Regular water changes and soft decorations prevent fin damage, ensuring their longevity.
Their diverse tail shapes, from flowing veils to fan-like spreads, are a hallmark of their appeal, with patterns ranging from solid colors to marbled swirls. Breeders have crafted countless varieties, each with distinct finnage and scale textures, catering to collectors and beginners alike. Their beauty thrives in well-maintained environments, reflecting careful husbandry.
Types of Betta Fish
Halfmoon Betta
The Halfmoon Betta is a showstopper, named for its caudal fin that spreads into a perfect 180-degree semicircle, resembling a half-moon. Measuring 2-3 inches, males display vibrant colors like red, blue, and purple, with long, flowing dorsal and anal fins. Found in pet stores worldwide, they thrive in 5-10 gallon tanks with gentle filtration to protect their delicate fins. Their graceful swimming and territorial nature make them a favorite for aquarists, though their heavy fins require careful tank maintenance to prevent tearing.
Crowntail Betta
Crowntail Bettas are easily recognized by their spiky, crown-like tail fins, where webbing is reduced, and fin rays extend dramatically. This 2-2.5-inch variety comes in vivid hues like deep red and electric blue, with males being more vibrant. Native to Southeast Asia, they prefer warm, slow-moving water in 5-gallon tanks with soft decorations to avoid fin damage. Their aggressive demeanor, especially in males, requires solitary housing or careful tank mate selection, making them ideal for dedicated aquarists.
Veiltail Betta
The Veiltail Betta, one of the most common varieties, features a long, flowing caudal fin that cascades like a veil. Growing to 2.5 inches, these fish display colors from turquoise to red, with males showcasing longer fins. Widely available, they’re hardy and suited for beginners, thriving in 3-5 gallon tanks. Their elegant swimming and calmer disposition make them adaptable to community tanks with non-aggressive species like guppies, though males must be housed alone.
Plakat Betta
Plakat Bettas, resembling wild bettas, have short, rounded fins and a compact body, making them agile swimmers. Typically 2-2.5 inches, they come in vibrant colors like red and blue and are known for heightened aggression due to their fighting heritage. Ideal for 5-gallon tanks with secure lids to prevent jumping, Plakats are hardy and less prone to fin damage, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a robust, active fish. Their lively nature suits experienced keepers.
Doubletail Betta
The Doubletail Betta is distinctive for its two separate caudal fins, creating a split-tail appearance. Growing to 2.5 inches, these fish display colors like white and blue, with the white-finned variant being highly coveted. Their heavy fins require spacious 5-10 gallon tanks with low water flow to prevent stress. Less common but striking, Doubletails are prone to swim bladder issues, so careful feeding and tank maintenance are essential for their health.
Rosetail Betta
Rosetail Bettas are known for their extravagant, ruffled fins resembling flower petals, with caudal fins spreading beyond 180 degrees. These 2-3-inch fish, available in colors like red and purple, are delicate due to their heavy finnage, requiring 10-gallon tanks with gentle filtration. Their stunning appearance makes them a favorite for show competitions, but their fins are prone to tearing, demanding meticulous care from dedicated aquarists.
Feathertail Betta
Feathertail Bettas, a variant of Rosetails, feature intricate, feather-like fin rays that create an ethereal, lacy appearance. Growing to 2.5 inches, they display vibrant colors like blue and red, with delicate tails susceptible to damage. They thrive in 5-10 gallon tanks with soft decorations and low water flow. Their fragile beauty appeals to experienced hobbyists willing to provide pristine water conditions to maintain their stunning, delicate fins.
Elephant Ear Betta
Elephant Ear Bettas, also called Dumbo Bettas, are named for their large, wing-like pectoral fins resembling elephant ears. These 2-2.5-inch fish come in colors like white and pastel shades, with males showing more flair. Suited for 5-gallon tanks, they need gentle filtration to protect their fins. Their unique pectoral fins and friendly demeanor make them a charming choice for aquarists seeking a distinctive, less aggressive betta.
Delta Betta
Delta Bettas have a triangular, delta-shaped caudal fin that spreads less than 180 degrees, narrower at the body and widening toward the edges. Growing to 2.5 inches, they display colors like green and blue, with males being more vibrant. Hardy and suited for 5-gallon tanks, they’re less fin-heavy than Halfmoons, making them easier to care for. Their sleek appearance and moderate aggression appeal to both beginners and enthusiasts.
Koi Betta
Koi Bettas are prized for their speckled patterns resembling koi fish, with colors like red, white, and black swirled in a marble-like design. These 2-3-inch fish thrive in 5-10 gallon tanks with gentle filtration. Their dynamic, ever-changing patterns make each fish unique, appealing to collectors. While hardy, their territorial nature requires careful tank mate selection, making them a vibrant addition for aquarists who love unique patterns.
Dragon Scale Betta
Dragon Scale Bettas feature iridescent, metallic scales resembling dragon armor, often in colors like red, blue, or green. Growing to 2.5 inches, their thick scales can lead to “diamond eye,” a condition causing blindness, requiring attentive care. Suited for 5-gallon tanks, they’re hardy but aggressive, best kept alone. Their shimmering scales make them a collector’s favorite, ideal for hobbyists seeking a bold, exotic look.
Butterfly Betta
Butterfly Bettas are named for their two-toned fins, with a solid body color transitioning to a translucent or lighter fin color, resembling butterfly wings. These 2-3-inch fish, found in colors like blue and yellow, thrive in 5-10 gallon tanks with low flow. Their striking patterns and moderate swimming ability make them a popular choice. Careful tank maintenance prevents fin damage, appealing to aquarists who love artistic designs.
Marble Betta
Marble Bettas display swirling, multi-colored patterns, often blending black, white, blue, or red in a marbled effect. These 2-2.5-inch fish are unique, with patterns that can change over time. Hardy and suited for 5-gallon tanks, they’re moderately aggressive, requiring solitary housing or peaceful tank mates. Their unpredictable, vibrant patterns make them a favorite for aquarists seeking a one-of-a-kind pet.
Giant Betta
Giant Bettas, a Plakat variant, grow beyond 2.5 inches, reaching up to 4 inches, with a thick, robust body. Available in colors like red and blue, they’re hardy and active, thriving in 10-gallon tanks with secure lids due to their jumping ability. Their size and bold demeanor make them a striking choice for experienced keepers, though their aggression requires careful tank management.
Super Delta Betta
The Super Delta Betta is a step up from the Delta, with a caudal fin spreading nearly 180 degrees, approaching Halfmoon proportions but not quite as full. Measuring 2-3 inches, these fish display vibrant colors like blue, red, and purple, with males showcasing broader fins. They thrive in 5-10 gallon tanks with gentle filtration to protect their fins. Their near-Halfmoon tail and hardy nature make them a striking, beginner-friendly choice.
Comb Tail Betta
Comb Tail Bettas feature a caudal fin with extended rays resembling a comb, with less webbing than Crowntails but more than Veiltails. Growing to 2.5 inches, they come in colors like green and white, with males displaying more flair. Suited for 5-gallon tanks, they require soft decorations to avoid fin tears. Their unique, jagged tail edges appeal to aquarists seeking a less common variety.
Roundtail Betta
Roundtail Bettas have a circular, fan-shaped caudal fin, resembling a Plakat’s tail but with slightly longer, rounded edges. These 2-2.5-inch fish, available in colors like red and turquoise, are hardy and active, thriving in 5-gallon tanks. Their compact fins make them less prone to damage, ideal for beginners. Their sleek appearance and agility add a dynamic presence to aquariums.
Spadetail Betta
Spadetail Bettas are rare, with a caudal fin shaped like a spade, broad in the middle and tapering to a point. Growing to 2.5 inches, they display colors like blue and black, with males having longer fins. They require 5-10 gallon tanks with low water flow to protect their unique tails. Their uncommon shape makes them a collector’s gem, appealing to experienced hobbyists.
Over Halfmoon Betta
Over Halfmoon Bettas boast a caudal fin spreading beyond 180 degrees, creating an extravagant, crescent-like display. These 2-3-inch fish, found in colors like purple and white, have heavy fins requiring 10-gallon tanks with gentle filtration. Their delicate, oversized tails are prone to tearing, demanding meticulous care. Their dramatic appearance makes them a showpiece for dedicated aquarists.
King Betta
King Bettas, a larger Plakat variant, reach up to 3.5 inches with a robust body and short, sturdy fins. Available in bold colors like red and metallic blue, they’re highly aggressive and need 10-gallon tanks with secure lids to prevent jumping. Their size and strength appeal to enthusiasts who prefer a powerful, low-maintenance betta with a commanding presence.
Swordtail Betta
Swordtail Bettas, a rare variety, feature a caudal fin with extended lower rays, resembling a sword. These 2-2.5-inch fish come in colors like green and red, with males displaying longer tails. They thrive in 5-gallon tanks with soft decor to protect their fins. Their unique, asymmetrical tail shape makes them a distinctive choice for collectors seeking rarity.
Big Ear Betta
Big Ear Bettas, a variant of Elephant Ear Bettas, have oversized pectoral fins that flare dramatically, often in translucent or pastel shades like pink and blue. Growing to 2.5 inches, they need 5-10 gallon tanks with gentle filtration to avoid fin stress. Their exaggerated pectoral fins and calm demeanor make them a charming, eye-catching option for aquarists.
Metallic Betta
Metallic Bettas are prized for their shimmering, iridescent scales that reflect metallic hues like copper, gold, and silver. These 2-3-inch fish, often with Halfmoon or Plakat tails, thrive in 5-gallon tanks. Their reflective sheen, especially in males, makes them stand out, but they require pristine water to maintain scale health. Their dazzling appearance appeals to hobbyists seeking a luxurious look.
Mustard Gas Betta
Mustard Gas Bettas feature a striking bicolor pattern, typically with a dark body (blue or green) and vibrant yellow or orange fins, resembling mustard gas. These 2-3-inch fish, often Halfmoon or Delta varieties, thrive in 5-10 gallon tanks. Their bold contrast and flowing fins make them a favorite for show tanks, requiring careful maintenance to preserve fin vibrancy.
Grizzle Betta
Grizzle Bettas display a unique pattern with a mix of two colors, often blue or red, fading into a lighter, speckled hue on their fins. Growing to 2.5 inches, they’re suited for 5-gallon tanks with gentle filtration. Their mottled, artistic appearance appeals to aquarists who love unique patterns, and their moderate aggression makes them manageable for experienced keepers.
Cellophane Betta
Cellophane Bettas have translucent, nearly colorless fins and bodies, giving them a ghostly, delicate appearance. These 2-2.5-inch fish, often with faint pink or blue tinges, thrive in 5-gallon tanks with soft decor to prevent fin damage. Their ethereal look makes them a rare, captivating choice, though their fragile fins require attentive care from dedicated hobbyists.
Cambodian Betta
Cambodian Bettas feature a pale, flesh-toned body with vibrant red or blue fins, creating a striking bicolor contrast. These 2-3-inch fish, often Veiltail or Plakat varieties, are hardy and suited for 5-gallon tanks. Their unique coloration, a result of selective breeding, appeals to collectors, and their relatively calm demeanor makes them suitable for beginners.
Samurai Betta
Samurai Bettas, a newer variety, have bold, metallic colors like red or blue with thick, armor-like scales and short, Plakat-like fins. Growing to 2.5-3 inches, they’re robust and thrive in 5-10 gallon tanks. Their warrior-like appearance and hardy nature make them a favorite for aquarists seeking a striking, low-maintenance betta with a fierce aesthetic.