BREEDS

Here are some of the most common betta fish found in pet stores. Most breeds are named by the shape of their tails.

Crowntail

Its spiky tail and fins give the crowntail Betta its royal look. The tail has a teardrop shape with webbing between the rays that’s unmistakable to this breed.

Delta/Super Delta

Delta and super delta bettas have tails with straight caudal edges—only theirs don’t reach 180 degrees like halfmoon bettas.

Doubletail

As its name suggests, doubletail bettas have two distinct tails, each shaped like a half moon. This sets them apart from similar-looking bettas, which have only single, split tails.

Half Sun/Combtail

Usually bred by crossing a veiltail with a crowntail, the half sun (or combtail Betta) boasts a slightly less spiky tail than the crowntail.

Halfmoon

One of the prettiest betta breeds, the halfmoon Betta has a 180-degree, fan-like tail that resembles a “D” when fully flared. This long-finned Betta also has unusual coloring.

Plakat

The ancestors of all betta fish, plakat bettas have shorter tails with round or spade shapes. These strong, aggressive betta fish are less prone to injury and disease.

Rosetail/Feathertail

A kind of halfmoon Betta, the rosetail (or feathertail Betta) also sports a fan-like tail, but has excessive branching and overlapping in its fin rays that resembles the ruffled appearance of a rose.

Round Tail/Fan Tail

Sometimes mistaken for other bettas, the round tail (or fan tail Betta) has a single tail that’s round and full.

Veiltail

One of the most popular betta fish breeds, veiltail bettas are known for their long, spectacular fins and bright colors. New hobbyists usually start with veiltails due to their easygoing nature.

FUN FACTS

Betta fish have labyrinth organs that allow them to breathe air because their gills can’t always take in enough oxygen from the water.

Betta fish can grow to recognize their owners.

Male betta fish look extremely different than females.

Male betta fish make bubble nests when they’re happy.

ENVIRONMENTS

Betta fish need the right mix of non-aggressive fish to share their aquarium. Be sure to find out the gender of your betta fish before introducing them to a tank, especially if you want more fish to join them. Two male bettas in the same tank will fight each other. In fact, male bettas are often more comfortable alone in a tank. Bettas have been bred for large, heavy fins that weigh them down, so they do not need a lot of space and high water flow can restrict the growth and development of their fins.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Nets

Safely and gently catch your Betta in an extra-soft nylon cushion that doesn’t pull at fish scales.)

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Gravel Vacuum

Make water changes easier with this double-duty cleaner, which siphons as it removes waste buildup from your gravel bed.)

Scraper

Control the growth of algae, reach areas that are harder to clean and make regular aquarium maintenance easier.)

Filtration

In a larger aquarium with filtration, be sure the intake and water outflow are gentle. If a single Betta is kept in a bowl environment, filtration may not be practical, so complete water changes should be performed weekly.)

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