Betta fish are considered to be one of the most beautiful and preferred fish in homes all across the world. The Betta has over 73 species. However, the most well-known is Betta splendens or Siamese Fighting Fish. Betta fish started with drab greyish-green color and small fins, unlike today’s vibrantly colored, exquisitely-looking fishes! A wide variety of other colors and fin patterns have been evolved through the process of selective breeding.
Bettas have been reported to acknowledge their human friends and will track your fingers across the tank. They can even be taught to do tricks! Betta fish live for an average of five years, but they can live as long as nine years in exceptional situations! Betta fish can be entertaining pets for individuals, both young and old. And whether you’re just starting or you’re already an experienced hobbyist, a Betta fish is a great one to have in your home.
The History of Betta Fish
Betta keeping could be traced back to more than 150 years in what was then known as Siam. The term Siamese Fighting Fish comes because youngsters would gather these aggressive fish and bunch them together to witness the duel. Gambling on these events grew prevalent very quickly. Because of their prominence, the King sought to tax them.
The Betta soon reached the hands of a Danish physician by the name of Dr. Theodore Cantor. The doctor reared and researched them, eventually giving them the name Macropodus pugnax. Upon realizing that the name was unavailable, Charles Tate Regan dubbed the fish Betta splendens, which means “beautiful fighter”—a still used phrase today.
Types of Bettas
Betta Fish Colors
Bettas are available in a kaleidoscope of solid hues of colors, ranging from vivid reds to deep blacks and pristine whites. Numerous betta fish, however, isn’t just one shade but have many pigmentation zones. Some color variants feature a two-toned look, with both the body as well as the fins being distinct hues or tints.
Here’s a comprehensive list of betta colors, along with data and details about every color variety.
Albino
The albino betta has no pigmentation at all. The scales and fins of the albino betta are pale to clear, while the eyes are pinkish and red. You can barely make out their organs through their scales.
So uncommon are genuine albinos that it’s debatable whether they really exist. The majority of reports are that what’s typically seen is cellophane or even white variations. It is pretty tricky to breed them. They also have a short life expectancy.
Clear/Cellophane
The clear Betta, which is known as the cellophane betta, has white to transparent scales. Through its scales, you’ll glimpse the rosy tone of their internal organs. The fins of this fish are ordinarily transparent to opaque. Their pupils are entirely black.
White
Although certain species’ fins are more opaque, white bettas feature white-colored scales as well as fins. This fish’s body should not be rosy. This may not seem remarkable, but the texture visible on a genuine white betta’s body and fins is extremely lovely.
Black
There are several types of black betta fish, each with distinct appearances. Keep on reading to find out what they are:
- Black Melano Bettas possess the darkest black bodies and fins of any of the betta species. They have too many melanin pigments, which makes them the complete opposite of the albino.
- Black Lace Bettas also have dark bodies, although they aren’t as dark as the melano kind.
- Black Orchid Bettas are a bi-color crowntail that has a dark body and radiance. Some bettas have been bred with bettas with a marble pattern that gives them a shiny or red tinge on their bodies and fins.
Blue
Blue is a color that you don’t typically see in nature. However, betta fish are the exception. It’s amusing to note that blue shades are generated by the form of pigment cells as well as scales, and also how light bounces off of them. Commonly, only flecks of blue are seen in fish, but bettas possess a deep, bright blue.
- Blue bettas are typically seen in the following colors:
- Steel Blue Bettas have a greyish-blue tint to them.
- Bettas with a deep, midnight blue body and fins are known as Royal Blue Bettas.
- Turquoise blue bettas have a tinge of emerald and a vivid, bright tone.
Copper
In poor lighting, a copper betta appears to be brownish in hue. When you switch on the lighting, however, you’ll notice the coloration. The scales and fins of this fish are made of luminous metallic material.
Chocolate
The body of a chocolate betta is tan, with an orange fin and tail.
Green
Green bettas have a solid color, but the green hue can be seen if the light is angled the right way. At some angles, their body and fins could seem black, turquoise, as well as blue. Green bettas feature a metallic wash on top of their color.
Mustard Gas
Mustard gas bettas are a bi-colored species that has a blueish body and orange fins that are pretty common. Their fins’ edges may be colored black as well. They look like chocolate bettas but don’t have brown body.
Pastel
The body and fins of a pastel betta are pastel-shaded as well as a whitish wash over the primary colors, creating a paler look.
Orange
Bettas that are entirely orange are exceptional and generally have vivid orange color.
Purple
Purple bettas is a most sought-after species, and if you come across one, it would most likely cost you an arm and a leg.
Red
Red is a popular hue among fish hobbyists and also one of the most prevalent betta colors. Red accents can be found in lots of bi-colored and other varieties of Betta.
Yellow
The body and fins of a yellow betta are brilliant lemon. Yellow bettas aren’t very prevalent and can be challenging to breed.
Fin and Tail Types
Among the most enticing qualities of all the Betta varieties is its tail. The form and the size of your Betta fish’s tail may typically be used to classify it. There are many different types of tails, ranging from small and jagged to big and magnificent, all with vibrant colors. From the more famous names like Veiltail and Halfmoon to tiny sizes like the Plakat, the diverse monikers often provide you with an indication of the shape of the tail
There are several different sorts and colors to choose from; all you must do is decide which one you like.
Veil Tail
The Veil Tail is the most common kind and the one that people most likely would remember whenever this species is brought up. The Veil Tail features a long, flowing tail that looks like a massive piece of textile being dragged behind it.
Combtail
Also referred to as the half sun betta fish, this species is relatively new. Rather than possessing a webbing that spreads on the tail, this fish features a dip in between every ray that exudes the appearance of a comb that has wide teeth.
Crowntail
One more relative of the combtail is the crown tail betta. In addition, the webbing on these fish does not reach every ray of the fin. Their tail, however, instead of resembling a comb, resembles a thorny crown.
Delta
The delta betta is a unique type of betta fish. The angle between the base of the tail and the edges is less than 180 degrees when it is completely extended. Since their elongated tails look like a triangle and have straight edges, its name is derived from the Greek letter delta.
Delta fish are a sought-after and attractive species of fish available in various colors and textures. They look a much like half-moon bettas, and it’s tricky to discern which one is which. The tails of the Super Delta are comparable to those of the Delta, but they are larger and stretch to nearly 180 degrees.
Double Tail
The double tail betta, also referred to as the twin tail betta, possesses long and broad anal and tail fins. The tail fin appears to be two different tails, which is how they got their moniker. These fish are particularly flashy and unusual, and they could be classified as a unique species. They’re generally available in a range of colors.
Half Moon
The half-moon betta mirrors the delta betta in appearance. A genuine half moon possesses a 180-degree tail which can be whatever hue or color combination. When observed from the sides, their tail forms a D shape. Unless they are named as a plakat betta, they have generally deemed a long-finned betta type. The half-moon betta is the most popular type of Betta, second only to the Veil Tail. Many of these guys may be found in pet shops.
Rosetail
You’ll probably admire the rosetail Betta if you prefer bettas that have long and broad tails. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins of this fish are the longest and most intricate betta species. Their fins are enormous, and they appear a bit raggedy along the margins, like a wilting flower petal.
Plakat
Plakat is a new betta type that has gained significant popularity in Thailand as well as other regions of Asia. These fish have all been crossbred with their indigenous betta splendens ancestors. They are cultivated from the Thai Siamese Fighting fish lineage.
Plakats share the same styles and color variants as bettas with long fins, and most have comparable tail shapes as well. The plakat’s tail, on the other hand, is considerably shorter and mimics that of the feral kind rather than the nicer, cultivated bettas.
Feathertail
The feathertail features lengthy, broad, frilly fins, comparable to that of the rosetail. Their fins and tails, rather than being half-moon shaped, have triangular shapes around the margins, giving them a fluffy appearance. They’re less prevalent than rosetails and are available in a wide variety of shades as well as scale patterns.
Round Tail
The round tail betta, much like a half-moon and the delta, is a beloved and popular betta seen at most pet retailers. Their tails, unlike the delta, do not linearly emerge from their bodies. Rather, they have a robust appearance.
Spade Tail
The spade tail matches the Veil Tail betta in appearance but features a distinct tail that looks like a spade. They’re also obtainable in a variety of shades and textures.
Elephant Ear
Like the majority of the bettas on this extensive list, the elephant ear is not categorized primarily on the form or length of the tail. Elephant ears feature wide, lengthy pectoral fins that give them the appearance of having enormous ears and soaring across the tank with them. However, their tails are typically smaller.
Conclusion – Betta Fish Types
Betta fish are little fish that may be managed in a 5-gallon aquarium with ease. These feisty tiny fish, often known as Siamese fighting fish, have by far the most remarkable tail varieties, colors, and configurations. Experts have painstakingly and genetically modified tail diversity, colors, and patterns throughout the years, resulting in a lot of betta fish species. Normally, these fish have blander colors out in the wild, but the Betta for your tank would have a vibrant and stunning blend.
When you take a close look and carefully evaluate the many different types of bettas, you will realize that there’s a lot of stuff going on. Whether you pick a fish because of its color or its luxurious-looking fins, there’s surely a betta out there that will suit your taste and aquarium.
While various species of betta fish are more susceptible to health problems due to their genes and tail arrangements, maintaining the warmth and cleanliness of your tank will do wonders toward making sure that your betta fish is healthy. They will also literally sparkle with color if they eat high-quality food.
