Delta Tail Bettas have tails that fan out symmetrically but with an angle less than 180 degrees, unlike the Halfmoon variety. Their tails form a triangular delta shape, giving them their name. They are elegant swimmers with a slightly more resilient fin structure than Halfmoons, making them easier to care for. Males have longer, broader fins; females are more compact.
Double Tail Bettas have two distinct caudal lobes (tails) split all the way to the base, giving them a unique “twin tail” appearance. They also often have broader dorsal fins and more symmetrical fin shapes overall. These Bettas are visually stunning and usually bred for show or ornamental tanks. Their bodies tend to be shorter, which can lead to swim bladder challenges.
The Long-Finned Betta is a term used to describe Betta splendens variants with dramatically extended, flowing fins—such as Veiltail, Halfmoon, and Rosetail varieties. These fins give the fish a stunning, flowing appearance, often likened to underwater dancers.
Slender-bodied fish with vivid red coloration; males are brighter and have longer fins. Occasionally show iridescent green or blue highlights on the body or fins.
Betta macrostoma has a torpedo-shaped body, striking orange to copper color, prominent black vertical gill bars, and a signature black "lipstick" mark around its mouth. Males have broader heads and more vivid color than females.
Males have iridescent blue-green faces, gray-brown bodies, and red edges on fins. Females are less colorful and slightly smaller.
Halfmoon Bettas are among the most striking Betta varieties due to their 180-degree tail spread that resembles a perfect half-moon when fully flared. Their tails and dorsal and anal fins are typically broad and symmetrical, giving them a flowing, elegant appearance. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns including solids, marbles, and metallics. Males have dramatically larger fins than females, which are generally shorter and less vivid.
Super Delta Tail Bettas are a refined variant of the Delta Tail variety, characterized by a broader tail spread—up to just under 180 degrees. Unlike the Halfmoon, which reaches a full 180-degree fan shape, the Super Delta is just slightly narrower but still elegant and dramatic. Their tails are typically symmetrical and spread like a fan when flared. They come in a wide range of color morphs including metallics, pastels, and marbled patterns. Their fins are broad and flowing, though more controlled and less prone to damage than Crowntails or Halfmoons.
Plakat Bettas have short, sturdy fins and a robust body, resembling wild-type Bettas. Their compact fins allow for agile swimming and less risk of fin tearing. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, often with vibrant metallic sheens.
Males are known for their shimmering blue-green and turquoise body coloration, flowing fins, and iridescent shine. Females are more muted but still elegant. The body is elongated with rounded fins.
Striking deep red to burgundy body with metallic blue/green iridescence on fins and scales. One of the most vividly colored wild bettas. Females are less vivid but still colorful.
Veiltail Bettas are easily identified by their long, downward-flowing caudal fin that resembles a veil, making them one of the most classic and widely recognized Betta types. They exhibit vibrant colors, often in deep reds, blues, or purples, and have streamlined bodies with large, flowing fins that trail behind them when they swim. Males are particularly showy, while females have shorter fins and more muted coloration.
The Rose Tail Betta is known for its elaborate, flowing fins that appear even more dramatic than the Halfmoon Betta. Its caudal fin has excessive branching, creating a frilly, rose-like appearance. These fish are vibrant in color and are often selectively bred for show. They’re best admired in slow-moving water with minimal current to preserve their delicate fins. However, due to excessive fin development, they can be more prone to fin damage and fatigue compared to other Betta types.
Betta albimarginata is a beautiful, peaceful wild-type Betta with elegant reddish-brown coloration and striking white margins on its caudal and dorsal fins. Males have more vibrant colors, while females remain subtler in tone. They are best suited to blackwater or low-light environments with plenty of leaf litter and soft acidic water.
Slender body with vivid red-orange coloration and black barring on the fins. Males are more vibrant than females, with longer fins. Snakehead-like profile gives the species its common name.
Feather Tail Bettas are known for their exceptionally frilly and feather-like fin extensions. Their fins display a lacey, ruffled appearance—almost as if the edges have been delicately shredded into soft, flowing fibers. They are one of the most ornamental Betta types, with extended caudal, dorsal, and anal fins that flow beautifully when they swim. However, this luxurious display comes at a cost: their fins are fragile and can tear easily, requiring optimal water quality and careful handling.
The Giant Betta is a selectively bred version of the standard Betta splendens that can grow up to twice the size of typical Bettas. Known for their impressive bulk and often matching flair in finnage, they make a truly commanding centerpiece in a well-planned tank.
Small-bodied, vibrant red coloration with dark vertical bars and iridescent blue or green spots on fins. Males have more vivid color and extended dorsal/anal fins.
Betta splendens are one of the most intelligent freshwater fish. Males are intensely territorial and will flare their gills, spread their fins, and display aggressive posturing when they perceive threats—especially other male Bettas or even their own reflections. Despite their aggression, they are also curious and responsive to human interaction. They learn feeding times, often greet their owners, and can be trained to perform simple tricks such as swimming through hoops or jumping for food. Females tend to be less aggressive but can form hierarchies when kept in sororities. All Bettas appreciate quiet environments with plenty of hiding spots and low water flow.
The Crown Tail Betta (or Crowntail) is known for its striking appearance. Its most distinguishing feature is its spiky, comb-like fins that give the tail a "crown" appearance. These rays can extend dramatically beyond the webbing, creating a fringed or serrated look. Crown Tails often come in vibrant colors including reds, blues, turquoise, and multicolored variants. Males display more elaborate fins, while females are more compact.
The Combtail Betta features fins that are slightly fringed or spiked at the edges, resembling the teeth of a comb—hence the name. It is a hybrid between traditional veil tails and crowntails. The combtail effect gives them a distinct but not overly exaggerated fin appearance, making them easier swimmers than crown tails yet more dramatic-looking than veiltails.
Short-Finned Bettas have a muscular, stocky body with minimal finnage, often giving them a wild, athletic appearance. Available in vibrant colors and patterns due to selective breeding.
Betta imbellis is a small, streamlined fish with iridescent blue-green scales and subtle red highlights on the fins. Males are more colorful, especially during breeding. Their fins are short and rounded, making them agile swimmers.
Betta falx has an elongated body with earthy brown tones, highlighted by subtle iridescence under proper lighting. The signature “sickle” shape of the tail fin is where it gets its common name. Fins have delicate transparent edges and a streamlined appearance compared to the ornate Betta splendens.
