20 Betta Fish Varieties To Dazzle Your Aquarium

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

Veiltail is a popular betta fish species native to Southeast Asia. It is highly cherished for its long, flowing fins and vibrant colors. The fish is characterized by its distinctive tail, which is long and feathery, resembling a veil. 

Moreover, it exhibits an impressive range of colors, including vibrant shades of red, blue, purple, and even metallic hues. Known for its territorial nature, the Veiltail is normally kept alone in a tank as it may display aggression towards other fish, especially males of its own species.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

The Crowntail Betta fish, also known as the Siamese fighting fish, is significantly popular in the US. Its unique appearance, characterized by long, flowing fins with a distinct crown-like appearance, has captivated pet owners. The vibrant colors and graceful movements of the species make it an attractive addition to any aquarium.

The Crowntail is relatively easy to care for due to its territorial nature and ability to thrive in small spaces. The average cost of the fish in the US can range from $5 to $30, with higher prices for more unique or rare variations.

Length: 3 inches (7.6 cm)

Weight: 0.4 ounces (11.3 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Halfmoon Betta captivates with its remarkable appearance. It boasts lively colors and flowing fins that make it a standout among other fish species. The most striking feature of the Halfmoon is its tail, which is large and fan-shaped, resembling the shape of a half-moon.

The colors of the Halfmoon Betta are incredibly diverse and can range from vibrant reds, blues, and purples, to softer pastel shades. The body of the fish is adorned with intricate patterns and markings. The fins, specifically the caudal fin, are the focal point of this fish's appearance.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Double Tail Betta was first discovered in the early 20th century. Betta fish, native to Southeast Asia, were initially observed in the rice paddies and stagnant waters of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and other neighboring countries.

The Double Tail derives its name from its distinct physical characteristic of having two distinct tails instead of the typical single tail. This unique trait is a result of selective breeding over several generations. Breeders sought to enhance the beauty of the Betta fish by manipulating their genetic makeup, resulting in variations like the Double Tail Betta.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-3 years

The Plakat Betta, also called Plakad, is a variant of the Betta fish. This species has shorter fins compared to other Betta fish. This distinguishes it from the long-finned varieties like the Veil Tail or Halfmoon Bettas.

The shorter fins make it a more agile swimmer, allowing it to navigate through water with greater ease. This trait also makes them less prone to fin damage or injury, making them hardier and more suitable for certain environments.

Another notable feature of the Plakat Betta is its strong and muscular body. These fish have a more robust physique, which gives them an aggressive and dominant appearance compared to their long-finned counterparts.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Rosetail Betta is popular due to its large, flowing, and voluminous tail, which resembles a rose in full bloom. This striking feature is a result of selective breeding.

Additionally, the vibrant colors displayed by Rosetail Bettas further add to their attractiveness. These fish are available in a wide range of hues, including red, blue, purple, and even multi-colored combinations. The colors, combined with the extravagant tail, create a visually appealing and attention-grabbing fish.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Delta Tail Betta is a freshwater fish, easily distinguishable by their distinct tail shape. The species possesses a long and flowing tail that forms a wide "D" shape when fully extended. This tail shape sets them apart from other Betta fish varieties.

The sparkling colors of the Delta Tail further enhance its aesthetic appeal. They come in a wide range of shades, including vivid reds, blues, purples, yellows, and even iridescent hues. Their fins are also known for their elaborate patterns and can be either solid or multicolored.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Super Delta Betta is a popular variant of the Betta splendens species. This fish has a tail shape that resembles the Greek letter "delta" (∆). It is an enhanced version of the Delta Tail Betta, exhibiting a larger and more pronounced tail spread.

The key difference between the Super Delta Betta and the regular Delta Tail Betta lies in the tail spread. While both have tails that extend beyond their bodies, the Super Delta Betta possesses a more dramatic tail finnage. Its tail rays split and extend at an angle of 120-160 degrees, resulting in a wider and fuller tail display.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Halfmoon Plakat is named after its unique tail shape, which resembles a half-moon when fully spread. The species is defined by its diverse color patterns, including solid colors, bi-colors, and multi-colors.

This breed exhibits an impressive range of hues, such as red, blue, green, yellow, and even metallic shades. In terms of behavior, the Halfmoon Plakat is known for its aggressive nature. It is territorial and should be housed alone or with peaceful tank mates.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Crown Double Tail Betta was discovered in the early 20th century. It is believed to have been bred by Betta enthusiasts who were experimenting with different tail shapes and patterns.

This unique variety of Betta splendens is characterized by its split tail, which forms a semi-circular shape resembling a crown when fully spread. The symmetry and fullness of its tail when fully flared create a visually striking display that captivates observers.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Combtail Betta stands out from other Betta fish due to its comb-shaped tail. Unlike the traditional round or spade-shaped tails, the Combtail has an elongated and feathery tail with the rays extending outward like the teeth of a comb.

This unique tail shape gives the Combtail Betta an exquisite and eye-catching appearance. When fully flared, their tails spread out in a semi-circle, resembling a blooming flower. This distinctive feature makes them highly sought after by Betta enthusiasts and collectors.

Length: 3 inches (7.6 cm)

Weight: 0.4 ounces (11.3 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Dragon Scale Betta's scales are reminiscent of the mythical dragon's armor, hence its name. They are thick and shiny, giving the fish an almost metallic appearance. The scales are usually of a solid color, with popular shades being red, blue, green, or black.

However, what truly makes this Betta stand out is the unique pattern on its scales. Each scale is adorned with a delicate web-like design, resembling fine dragon scales. This pattern often appears in contrasting colors, adding depth and visual interest to the fish.

Length: 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm)

Weight: 0.5-1 ounce (14-28 grams)

Life Expectancy: 3-5 years

The Giant Betta, scientifically known as Betta anabantoides, acquired its name due to its significantly larger size compared to other Betta fish species. This distinct size difference has earned it the title of "Giant" Betta.

The Giant Betta originated from Southeast Asia, particularly from Thailand and neighboring countries, where they were selectively bred for their larger size. Fish breeders and enthusiasts began noticing and selectively breeding larger Betta fish, which eventually led to the development of the species.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Marble Betta, also known as the Koi Betta, is a highly sought-after variant of the popular Betta fish species. What makes this particular Betta so special is its stunning coloration and ever-changing patterns.

Unlike other Betta varieties with fixed colors, the Marble Betta possesses a genetic trait that causes its pigmentation to continuously shift and morph over time. Meanwhile, the mesmerizing colors and patterns can range from vibrant reds, blues, and greens to more subtle shades of yellow, black, and white.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Rose Petal Betta can make a wonderful pet for fish lovers. With their diverse colors and flowing fins, they are visually stunning and can be a valuable addition to any aquarium.

One of the advantages of keeping a Rose Petal Betta as a pet is that they are relatively low maintenance. They are hardy fish and can tolerate a range of water conditions. They also require minimal space and can thrive in small tanks or even bowls, although a larger tank with a heater and filter is recommended.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Metallic Betta's demand has been steadily increasing in recent years due to their appearance and ease of care. These fish are highly sought after by hobbyists and collectors, as well as individuals looking to add a touch of beauty to their home or office.

Metallic Bettas are known for their ability to adapt to various water conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of aquarists. Additionally, their territorial nature and striking fins make them fascinating to observe, further increasing their appeal.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Mustard Gas Betta features a striking combination of deep blue and lively yellow hues on its body. Its name is derived from the resemblance of its coloration to the lethal chemical, Mustard Gas, used during World War I.

The fish's contrasting colors are often separated by a clean, defined line, creating a visually appealing and eye-catching display. These Betta fish are known for their long, flowing fins, which are characteristic of the Halfmoon Betta variety. With their wide tail span, they create a beautiful fan-like appearance when fully spread.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Dumbo Betta, also known as the Elephant Ear Betta, is a stunning variant of the Siamese fighting fish. Its most distinctive feature is its large pectoral fins, which resemble the ears of an elephant. These fins are significantly bigger and broader than those of other betta fish.

Dumbo Betta comes in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, blue, yellow, and multicolored variations. Its body shape is similar to that of other betta fish, with a long and streamlined form. But it is the oversized pectoral fins that truly set it apart.

Length: 3 inches (7.6 cm)

Weight: 0.4 ounces (11.3 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Over Halfmoon Betta is adored for its impressive tail fin that resembles a half-moon when fully spread. The species creates a breathtaking display as it swims gracefully through the water. The tail fin, which forms a perfect half circle when expanded, gives the fish a regal appearance and enhances its overall beauty.

In terms of coloration, the Over Halfmoon Betta comes in a wide range of shades, from striking reds and blues to mesmerizing iridescent hues. Its body can also feature various patterns, such as marbling, which adds an extra touch of visual interest.

Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)

Weight: 0.3 ounces (8.5 grams)

Life Expectancy: 2-4 years

The Wild Betta is native to the slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It has adapted to survive in oxygen-depleted environments such as rice paddies, swamps, and stagnant pools.

What sets the Wild Betta apart from other fish species is its remarkable ability to breathe atmospheric air. While most fish rely solely on gills for respiration, the Betta possesses a specialized labyrinth organ, allowing it to extract oxygen directly from the air. This adaptation enables the fish to survive in oxygen-poor water conditions as it can rise to the water's surface and gulp air.