How Many Kinds of Betta Fish Are There

There are more than 70 kinds of betta fish recognized worldwide, and each one has its own unique color, pattern, and tail shape. Betta fish types range from wild-caught species to beautifully bred domestic varieties. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fish keeper, understanding the different kinds of betta fish helps you pick the perfect one for your tank.

Betta fish are some of the most popular pets in the world. Their bright colors, flowing fins, and curious personalities make them a favorite for fish tanks of all sizes. But here is a question many new fish owners ask: how many kinds of betta fish are there?

The answer might surprise you. There are over 70 recognized kinds of betta fish, and that number keeps growing as breeders develop new varieties. Each kind has its own look, behavior, and care needs. Some bettas have long, flowing tails, while others are short-finned and built for speed. Some are wild-caught, and others are the result of generations of selective breeding.

In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about the different kinds of betta fish. You will learn about the main species, the most popular varieties, and how to pick the right one for your home. By the end, you will have a clear picture of the amazing world of betta fish types.

If you are new to bettas, you might also want to check out our guide on Are Their Different Kinds Of Betta Fish for a beginner-friendly overview of what makes each variety special.

Key Takeaways

• Over 70 kinds of betta fish exist: Scientists and breeders have identified dozens of distinct varieties.
• Betta fish types fall into major groups: Splendens, Imbellis, Mahachai, and others each have unique traits.
• Tail shapes vary widely: Veiltail, crown tail, halfmoon, and plakat are just a few popular styles.
• Colors and patterns add endless variety: You can find solid, multicolor, marble, and butterfly patterns across kinds of betta fish.
• Wild and domestic bettas differ greatly: Wild betta fish are duller and more aggressive, while domestic ones are bred for beauty.
• Choosing the right kind matters: Your tank setup and experience level should guide your choice.

How Many Kinds of Betta Fish Are There?

The short answer is that there are more than 70 known kinds of betta fish. But the longer answer is more interesting. Betta fish belong to the genus Betta, which includes over 70 species. Most of the bettas you see in pet stores belong to just one species: Betta splendens, also known as the Siamese fighting fish.

However, there are other species in the wild that are also called bettas. These wild bettas look different, behave differently, and come from different parts of Southeast Asia. Breeders have also created hundreds of domestic varieties by selecting for specific traits like color, fin length, and body shape.

When people ask about kinds of betta fish, they are usually asking about the varieties they can buy at a pet store or online. In that case, you are looking at domestic breeds and color morphs, not entirely separate species. But understanding the full picture gives you a much better sense of what makes each kind unique.

Wild Betta Fish Species

Wild betta fish are the ancestors of the colorful pets we keep today. They live in shallow waters across Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Unlike their domestic cousins, wild bettas are usually dull in color. They blend into their natural environment with greens, browns, and muted reds.

Some well-known wild betta species include:

• Betta imbellis: Also called the peaceful betta, this species is less aggressive than Betta splendens.
• Betta mahachai: A wild species found near Bangkok, known for its hardiness.
• Betta smaragdina: A striking green wild betta found in Thailand.
• Betta picta: One of the few spotty-patterned wild bettas.

These wild species are rarely seen in pet stores, but they are important for understanding where all bettas come from. If you want to learn more about keeping wild bettas, you might enjoy reading about Are There Rainbow Betta Fish for a closer look at stunning wild color variations.

The Most Popular Kinds of Betta Fish

In the aquarium trade, certain kinds of betta fish stand out because of their beauty and popularity. Breeders have spent decades perfecting these varieties, and they are the ones you will see most often in stores and online.

Betta Splendens Varieties

Betta splendens is the species behind almost every betta you will find in a pet shop. Over many generations, breeders have developed dozens of subtypes based on fin shape, color, and pattern. Here are some of the most well-known:

• Veiltail Betta: The most common type. It has a long, flowing tail that hangs down like a curtain. If you own one, you can find helpful care tips in our guide on How To Take Care Of A Veiltail Betta Fish.
• Crown Tail Betta: Known for its spiky, crown-like tail rays. The fins look like a crown when fully spread.
• Halfmoon Betta: Has a tail that spreads out to a perfect 180-degree shape, like a half circle.
• Plakat Betta: Short-finned and sleek. These look much closer to wild bettas and are very active swimmers.
• Double Tail Betta: Has two separate tail fins instead of one, giving it a unique and eye-catching look.
• Delta Tail Betta: Shaped like the Greek letter delta, with a wide tail that narrows at the base.

Color and Pattern Varieties

Beyond fin shape, kinds of betta fish are also grouped by their colors and patterns. This is where the variety really shines. Breeders have created an incredible range of shades and designs.

Some of the most popular color categories include:

• Solid Colors: These bettas are one solid color all over. Common shades include red, blue, green, black, and white.
• Multicolor Betta: Displays two or more bright colors in distinct patterns.
• Marble Betta: Has a swirling pattern of colors that can change over time. No two marble bettas look exactly alike.
• Butterfly Betta: Features a gradient effect where the body color fades into a lighter or different color at the fins.
• Metallic Betta: Has a shiny, metallic sheen that looks almost like polished metal. Copper and blue metallic are very popular.
• Koi Betta: Mimics the look of a koi carp with patches of orange, white, and black.

If you are curious about what goes into creating these stunning colors, check out our article on How To Enhance The Color Of Betta Fish for practical tips.

Male vs Female Betta Fish

When people talk about kinds of betta fish, they often forget an important distinction: male and female bettas look and behave very differently. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right fish for your tank.

Male Betta Fish

Male bettas are the ones most people picture. They have long, flowing fins and bright, vivid colors. Their tails and fins can be several times longer than their bodies. Males are also the more aggressive sex, which is why they are called Siamese fighting fish.

Male bettas should always be kept alone. Housing two males together will almost always lead to fighting, and it can be fatal. If you want to keep a male betta with other fish, you need to choose tankmates carefully. Our guide on How To Take Care Of A Betta Male Fish covers this in detail.

Female Betta Fish

Female bettas have shorter fins and less vibrant colors than males. They also have a small white spot on their underside called an ovipositor, which is used for laying eggs. Females can sometimes be kept together in groups called sororities, but this requires a larger tank and careful setup.

It can be tricky to tell a young betta’s gender. If you are struggling, you might find our article on How To Identify Gender Of Betta Fish very helpful.

Wild Betta Fish vs Domesticated Betta Fish

One of the biggest differences among kinds of betta fish is between wild-caught and domesticated breeds. Both are fascinating, but they require very different care approaches.

Wild Betta Fish

Wild bettas live in shallow ponds, rice paddies, and slow-moving streams in Southeast Asia. Their colors are dull on purpose, helping them hide from predators and sneak up on prey. Wild bettas are generally hardier and more resilient than domestic breeds.

They also tend to be more aggressive because they have never been bred for temperament. Their fins are shorter, which helps them move quickly through dense vegetation. If you are interested in keeping wild bettas, you will need a tank that mimics their natural habitat.

Domesticated Betta Fish

Domestic bettas are the result of hundreds of years of selective breeding. Breeders chose the most colorful, long-finned, and healthy fish to reproduce. Over time, this created the stunning varieties we see today.

However, domestication has its downsides. Domestic bettas often have weaker immune systems than their wild cousins. Their long fins can make swimming difficult, and they can be more sensitive to water quality. This is why tank size, filtration, and water changes matter so much for domestic bettas.

Speaking of tank size, if you are wondering how much space your betta needs, our guide on How Many Gallon For Betta Fish can help you get it right.

How to Choose the Right Kind of Betta Fish

With so many kinds of betta fish available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news is that the best choice depends on a few simple factors. Think about your experience level, your tank setup, and what you want from your fish.

Here are some tips to help you decide:

1. Consider your tank size. If you have a small tank, a plakat or short-finned betta is a better choice than a halfmoon with giant fins.
2. Think about your experience. Beginners should start with hardy varieties like the veiltail or plakat. These are more forgiving of small water quality mistakes.
3. Decide on a color style. Do you want a solid color, a marble pattern, or a multicolor display? Pick the look that speaks to you.
4. Research the species. If you want a wild-type betta, look for Betta imbellis or Betta mahachai. If you want a show-quality fish, focus on domestic Betta splendens varieties.
5. Check the breeder or store. Always buy from a reputable source. Healthy fish have bright colors, clear eyes, and active behavior.

Remember, every kind of betta fish deserves a good home. Whether you pick a fancy domestic variety or a wild-caught species, proper care is the key to a happy, healthy fish.

Caring for Your Chosen Betta Fish

No matter which kind of betta fish you choose, the basics of care stay the same. A clean tank, warm water, and a proper diet will keep your betta thriving. Here are the essentials:

• Tank size: At least 5 gallons for a single betta. Larger is always better.
• Water temperature: Keep between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Filtration: Use a gentle filter. Bettas do not like strong currents.
• Diet: Feed high-quality pellets or frozen foods. Avoid overfeeding.
• Water changes: Change 25 to 50 percent of the water weekly to keep it clean.

If you want to dive deeper into proper care routines, our article on How To Properly Take Care Of Betta Fish covers every detail you need.

Common Mistakes People Make with Betta Fish

Even experienced fish keepers make mistakes. Here are some common errors to avoid when caring for your betta:

• Keeping the betta in a tiny bowl: Bettas need space and clean water. A small bowl quickly becomes toxic.
• Overfeeding: Bettas have small stomachs. Too much food leads to bloating and poor water quality.
• Ignoring water temperature: Cold water makes bettas sluggish and more prone to illness.
• Housing males together: Two male bettas will fight, sometimes to the death.
• Skipping water changes: Even with a filter, regular water changes are essential for betta health.

Avoiding these mistakes will help your betta live a long, happy life. With proper care, a betta can live 3 to 5 years, and some even reach 7 or more.

The Future of Kinds of Betta Fish

The world of betta fish is always changing. Breeders around the world are constantly developing new colors, patterns, and fin shapes. Every year, new varieties appear at fish shows and in online stores. Some of the latest trends include super delta tails, galaxy patterns, and even metallic pastel shades that were unheard of a decade ago.

As interest in betta fish grows, so does the importance of responsible breeding. Ethical breeders focus on health and temperament, not just looks. They work to avoid the genetic problems that can come with extreme breeding, such as fragile fins or weak immune systems.

The future of kinds of betta fish is bright. With more awareness and better care practices, these beautiful fish will continue to thrive in home aquariums around the world.

Final Thoughts

So, how many kinds of betta fish are there? The answer is more than 70 species in the wild, and hundreds of domestic varieties bred for color and fin shape. From the common veiltail to the rare wild betta imbellis, each kind of betta fish has its own charm and character.

Whether you are drawn to the bright reds of a domestic male or the subtle greens of a wild-caught species, there is a betta fish out there for everyone. The key is to learn about the kind you choose and give it the care it deserves. With the right setup and a little attention, your betta will be a happy and stunning addition to your home.

Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the journey of discovering the kind of betta fish that is perfect for you. The world of bettas is vast, colorful, and endlessly interesting. Happy fish keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kinds of betta fish are there in total?

There are over 70 recognized species of betta fish in the wild, and dozens more domestic varieties bred for color and fin shape. The exact number depends on whether you count wild species, domestic morphs, and new breeds being developed. Most pet store bettas belong to the Betta splendens species.

What is the most common kind of betta fish?

The veiltail betta is the most common kind found in pet stores. It has a long, flowing tail that hangs down like a curtain. Other popular kinds include crown tail, halfmoon, and plakat bettas.

Can you keep different kinds of betta fish together?

Generally, no. Male bettas are highly territorial and should never be housed together. Some female bettas can be kept in groups called sororities in larger tanks. Always research compatibility before mixing bettas with other fish.

Are wild betta fish different from domestic betta fish?

Yes. Wild bettas are usually duller in color, have shorter fins, and are more aggressive. Domestic bettas have been bred for bright colors and long fins, but they can be more delicate and sensitive to water conditions.

How do I know which kind of betta fish is right for me?

Consider your tank size, experience level, and personal style. Beginners should start with hardy varieties like the veiltail or plakat. Experienced keepers might enjoy the challenge of a wild betta species or a show-quality halfmoon.

Do all kinds of betta fish need the same care?

Most bettas share the same basic care needs: warm water, a clean tank, and a quality diet. However, long-finned varieties may need gentler filtration, and wild species may prefer cooler, slower-moving water. Always research the specific needs of your chosen kind.