Betta Fish Varieties: A Guide for Beginners

Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are some of the most colorful and popular aquarium fish. Their vibrant colors and flowing fins make them a favorite among aquarists. With over 75 recognized varieties, bettas come in an array of colors and tail shapes. In this guide, we will explore ten different betta varieties, highlighting their unique color patterns and tail shapes. We’ll also provide care tips specific to each variety and discuss breeding techniques that enhance color and tail development.

1. Veiltail Betta

The veiltail betta is one of the most common and widely recognized varieties. It has a long, flowing tail that drapes elegantly behind it. The tail can be single-colored or multi-colored, making it a versatile choice for any aquarium. Veiltails are easy to care for and are suitable for beginners. They require a tank of at least 5 gallons with clean water and regular maintenance. To enhance the color and tail development of veiltail bettas, breeders often select parents with long, flowing tails and bright colors.

2. Crowntail Betta

Crowntail bettas are distinguished by their unique tail shape, which features extended, spiky rays that give the appearance of a crown. These bettas come in a wide range of colors, including red, blue, black, and white. Crowntails are more active than other varieties and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the crowntail’s unique tail shape by selecting parents with long, spiky rays and bright colors.

3. Halfmoon Betta

Halfmoon bettas are known for their spectacular tail shapes, which extend nearly 180 degrees, creating a perfect half-moon shape. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and black. Halfmoons are highly active and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the halfmoon’s unique tail shape by selecting parents with large, symmetrical tails and bright colors.

4. Plakat Betta

Plakat bettas are a more traditional variety, with shorter, rounder fins compared to other bettas. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and green. Plakats are less active than other varieties and require a smaller tank of at least 5 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the plakat’s unique fin shape by selecting parents with short, rounded fins and bright colors.

5. Double Tail Betta

Double tail bettas have two distinct tail lobes, giving them a unique, split-tail appearance. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and green. Double tails are more active than other varieties and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the double tail’s unique tail shape by selecting parents with split tails and bright colors.

6. Spadetail Betta

Spadetail bettas have a unique tail shape that resembles a spade. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and green. Spadetails are more active than other varieties and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the spadetail’s unique tail shape by selecting parents with spade-shaped tails and bright colors.

7. Superdelta Betta

Superdelta bettas have a tail shape that extends beyond 180 degrees, creating a delta-like appearance. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and green. Superdeltas are highly active and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the superdelta’s unique tail shape by selecting parents with large, symmetrical tails and bright colors.

8. Butterfly Betta

Butterfly bettas have a unique color pattern that resembles a butterfly’s wings. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and green. Butterfly bettas are more active than other varieties and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the butterfly’s unique color pattern by selecting parents with contrasting colors and bright colors.

9. Koi Betta

Koi bettas have a unique color pattern that resembles koi fish. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, white, and black. Koi bettas are more active than other varieties and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the koi’s unique color pattern by selecting parents with contrasting colors and bright colors.

10. Marble Betta

Marble bettas have a unique color pattern that resembles marble. These bettas come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, and green. Marble bettas are more active than other varieties and require a larger tank of at least 10 gallons. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Breeders can enhance the marble’s unique color pattern by selecting parents with contrasting colors and bright colors.

Care Tips for Each Variety

Veiltail Betta: Easy to care for, requires a tank of at least 5 gallons, clean water, and regular maintenance.
Crowntail Betta: More active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Halfmoon Betta: Highly active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Plakat Betta: Less active, requires a smaller tank of at least 5 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Double Tail Betta: More active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Spadetail Betta: More active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Superdelta Betta: Highly active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Butterfly Betta: More active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Koi Betta: More active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.
Marble Betta: More active, requires a larger tank of at least 10 gallons, plenty of plants and hiding spots.

Breeding Techniques

To enhance color and tail development in bettas, breeders often select parents with desirable traits. For example, breeders may select parents with long, flowing tails for veiltails or parents with spiky rays for crowntails. Breeders may also use selective breeding to enhance color patterns, such as selecting parents with contrasting colors for butterfly bettas or parents with bright colors for halfmoons.

Choosing the Right Betta for a Beginner Aquarist

When choosing a betta for a beginner aquarist, it’s important to consider the variety’s activity level and care requirements. For example, plakat bettas are less active and require a smaller tank, making them a good choice for beginners. On the other hand, halfmoon and superdelta bettas are highly active and require larger tanks, making them better suited for experienced aquarists. Regardless of the variety, all bettas require clean water and regular maintenance. By choosing the right variety and providing proper care, even beginners can enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of betta fish.

In conclusion, betta fish are a colorful and popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. With over 75 recognized varieties, there is a betta for every taste and preference. Whether you’re interested in long, flowing tails or unique color patterns, there is a betta variety that will capture your heart. By understanding the care requirements of each variety and using selective breeding techniques, aquarists can enhance the beauty and health of their bettas. And with the right guidance, even beginners can successfully keep and breed these stunning fish.

The Most Colorful Betta Varieties You Need to Know