24 Types Of Betta Fish(With Color & Patterns)

Betta fish come in many unique forms, mostly defined by their tail shapes and body features. From common types like Veil Tail to rare designer varieties like Alien or Hellboy, there’s a Betta for every kind of tank setup and keeper. This guide covers 24 popular Betta types, each with its own style and personality.

Table of Contents

Comparison Table: Popular Betta Fish Types

Betta Type	Tail Shape	Size	Care Level	Notes
Veil Tail	Long, flowing	2.5–3″	Easy	Most common, beginner-friendly
Plakat	Short, rounded	2–2.5″	Very Easy	Hardy and active swimmer
Crown Tail	Spiked fin rays	2.5–3″	Moderate	Needs clean water for fin care
Halfmoon	180° wide spread	2.5–3″	Moderate	Beautiful but fragile fins
Dumbo	Large side fins	2.5–3″	Easy	Known for pectoral “ear” fins
Alien	Wild hybrid	2.5–3″	Advanced	Rare and territorial

1. Veil Tail Betta

Veil Tail Bettas are the most common type you’ll find in pet stores. They’re recognized by their long, flowing tails that drape down like a veil. Hardy, affordable, and beginner-friendly, Veil Tails are great for first-time Betta keepers.

2. Plakat Betta

Plakat Bettas have short, round fins and a strong, muscular body. They closely resemble wild Bettas and are known for being active swimmers and jumpers. These are often recommended for those who want a low-maintenance Betta with fewer fin problems.

3. Crown Tail Betta

Crown Tails have dramatic, spiked tails that look like a crown. The extended fin rays give them a fierce, flashy appearance. They need clean water to prevent fin damage, but their bold look makes them stand out in any tank.

4. Halfmoon Betta

Halfmoon Bettas have a tail that spreads 180 degrees, forming a perfect half-circle when fully flared. They’re incredibly eye-catching but need extra care to prevent fin tears. This type is popular in shows and with experienced hobbyists.

5. Double Tail Betta

This type features two separate tail lobes, giving the illusion of a split tail. Double Tails usually have a shorter, thicker body and a unique swimming style. They are less common but visually very distinct.

6. Delta Tail Betta

Delta Tails have a triangular-shaped tail that spreads outward but doesn’t quite reach 180 degrees. The edges are straight and smooth, offering a more balanced appearance than some dramatic tail types.

7. Super Delta Betta

Super Deltas are similar to Delta Tails but with a much wider tail spread—almost reaching Halfmoon proportions. They offer an elegant look without the fragility of a full Halfmoon tail.

8. Spade Tail Betta

Spade Tails are rare and named after their tail shape, which tapers to a fine point like a spade card symbol. They’re less flashy than others but have a sleek, elegant presence.

9. Round Tail Betta

Round Tails have a fully rounded caudal fin, different from the sharp angles seen in Delta or Halfmoon types. This gives them a softer, more traditional look and a calmer vibe.

10. Combtail Betta

Combtails blend the flow of a regular tail with a slight fringe on the edges, like a gentler version of the Crown Tail. This mix creates a subtle but attractive flare.

11. Feathertail Betta

Feathertails are an exaggerated version of Rosetail Bettas, with delicate, highly branched fins. Their tails look frilly and ornate, but they can be prone to fin damage if not cared for properly.

12. Dumbo Betta

Also called Elephant Ear Bettas, these have oversized pectoral fins that look like ears. Dumbo Bettas are usually found in Halfmoon or Plakat forms and are known for their expressive movements.

13. Giant Betta

Giant Bettas are bred for size and can grow over 3 inches long—nearly double the size of a regular Betta. They need more space but offer a big personality to match.

14. Alien Betta

Alien Bettas are wild-looking hybrids with metallic, iridescent scales and a bold personality. They are not common and often appeal to experienced keepers looking for something different.

15. Samurai Betta

The Samurai Betta combines dragon-scale patterns with dark body tones. They look like they’re wearing armor and are especially popular in the designer Betta community.

16. Hellboy Betta

Hellboy Bettas are usually bright red with black marbling and sometimes have dragon scales. The name comes from their fiery appearance. They’re typically bred in the Plakat form.

17. Koi Betta

Koi Bettas have patterns inspired by koi fish, often combining white, red, and black in blotchy forms. They’re usually Plakat-shaped and are known for their ever-changing color patterns.

18. Galaxy Koi Betta

This is a subtype of Koi Bettas with extra iridescent spots that resemble stars in space. Their shimmer and sparkle make them a true centerpiece fish.

19. Nemo Betta

Named after the clownfish from Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” this Betta features bright orange with patches of white and black. A playful, eye-catching designer Betta.

20. Fancy Betta

Fancy Bettas is a broad term used for multi-colored designer Bettas that don’t fit into one strict category. They come in all sorts of color combinations and are often Plakats.

21. Dragon Scale Betta

Dragon Scale Bettas have thick, metallic-looking scales that often contrast with their dark body colors. Their armor-like appearance is what makes them stand out.

22. Mustard Gas Betta

These Bettas have a striking blue or green body with yellow fins. The sharp color contrast looks almost like a flame, making them stand out in planted tanks.

23. Copper Betta

Copper Bettas are known for their glowing, metallic finish that can look bronze, rose gold, or silver under different lighting. They’re especially stunning under aquarium lights.

24. Butterfly Betta

Butterfly Bettas have a solid body color with fins that fade to a pale or white outer edge—like butterfly wings. This pattern is often seen in Halfmoons and Super Deltas.

Betta Fish Colors (Not Tail Types — Just Color Variants)

Red Betta

Red Bettas are bold and striking. This is one of the most common Betta colors and often appears even in multicolored fish. A solid red Betta stands out in any tank.

Blue Betta

Blue Bettas come in steel, royal, or turquoise shades. Their color intensity often shifts based on lighting and mood, giving them a dynamic appearance.

White Betta

White Bettas have a clean, pale look that ranges from opaque to pearl-like. They’re often chosen for minimalist or contrast-themed aquariums.

Black Betta

These mysterious Bettas may be melano (pure black), black orchid (with iridescence), or black lace. True solid black Bettas are rare and highly desired.

Yellow Betta

Yellow Bettas are cheerful and often called “banana Bettas.” They may appear pale pastel or deep sunflower yellow depending on breeding.

Green Betta

Green Bettas are uncommon and usually have a metallic sheen. Some look teal or turquoise under aquarium lighting, especially when flaring.

Purple Betta

Solid purple Bettas are very rare. Most Bettas labeled as purple have a mix of blue and red tones with a soft lavender hue.

Orange Betta

Bright orange Bettas are harder to find. Many have marbled patterns, but true solid orange types are vivid and eye-catching.

Multicolor Betta

Multicolor Bettas feature three or more colors in random patterns. They are unpredictable and one-of-a-kind, making each fish truly unique.

Betta Fish Patterns You shoud know

Marble Betta

Marble Bettas change color over time, thanks to a genetic trait called “jumping genes.” Their patchy look makes them fun and unpredictable.

Koi Betta

Koi Bettas mimic the look of koi fish, usually with red, white, and black blotches. They’re commonly bred in Plakat form.

Butterfly Betta

These Bettas have a solid body color that fades into a pale or white band along the edges of the fins, resembling butterfly wings.

Dragon Scale Betta

Dragon Scale Bettas feature thick, armor-like scales that shine like metal. They usually have a dark body with bright, bold scale coverage.

Galaxy Betta

Galaxy Bettas are a sparkling variant of koi types, often with iridescent specks scattered across their body and fins like stars.

Nemo Betta

Nemo Bettas are small, vibrant fish with orange, black, and white patterns. They’re playful-looking and often resemble clownfish.

Samurai Betta

Samurai Bettas feature dark bodies covered in metallic dragon-like scales, giving them a bold, armored look. Some variants include the Black Samurai.

FAQs

How many different types of Betta fish are there?

There are over 25 recognized Betta fish types based on tail shapes and selective breeding. Common types include Veil Tail, Plakat, Halfmoon, Crown Tail, and Dumbo Bettas.

What is the most beautiful Betta fish type?

The Halfmoon and Rosetail Bettas are often considered the most beautiful due to their large, fan-like tails and flowing fins. Their appearance makes them popular in shows and aquascaping tanks.

Which Betta fish type is best for beginners?

Plakat and Veil Tail Bettas are best for beginners. They are hardy, low-maintenance, and less prone to fin damage compared to delicate types like Halfmoons or Feathertails.

What’s the rarest Betta fish type?

Rare Betta types include the Alien, Black Samurai, Hellboy, and Giant Betta. These are usually harder to find and more expensive due to selective breeding.

Are designer Betta fish types harder to care for?

Some designer Betta types like Feathertail, Hellboy, and Dragon Scale require more care, especially regarding fin health and water quality. Short-finned types tend to be easier to manage.

Can different Betta types live together?

No, Betta fish are territorial. Even different types can’t be housed together unless it’s in a divided tank or under careful sorority conditions with females only.