Betta fish: How many types are there?

 

The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), commonly known as the betta, is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is one of 73 species of the genus Betta, but the only one eponymously called "betta."

Types

There are many betta fish, like iridescent betta fish, koi betta fish, Halfmoon betta fish, etc. They may be different varieties, but they're all the same species. Your betta's variety will depend on its colors, patterns, and tail configurations. Some types include the Red Veil Tail Betta and Bi-Colored Double Tail Betta.

Here we’ll discuss their types and their details.

1.    Iridescent betta fish

Iridescent colors make up the top layer of the betta and are caused by cells called iridocytes. These cells form a dense color layer that can cover all other colors. Initially, on wild Betta splendens, the standard iridescent color is turquoise/green.

2.    Albino betta fish

An albino betta completely lacks any pigmentation. An albino betta should have whitish to clear-colored scales, fins, and pinkish or red eyes. Their muscles and organs may be faintly visible through their scales. Albino bettas are so rare it's questionable if they exist at all. Most reports are probably either clear/cellophane or white varieties instead.

3.    Cellophane betta fish

Cellophane betta fish is also known as clear betta fish. They have translucent scales. Sometimes you can see the pinkish color of their muscles and internal organs through their scales. Their fins are usually clear to opaque. Their eyes should be a solid black. The trait isn't expressed, so the fish appears nearly colorless.

4.    Blue betta fish

Another type of betta fish is blue betta fish. Blue is not a very common color in nature, but betta fish are an exception. Blue shades are not caused by pigments but by the shape of the pigment cells and scales and how the light reflects off them.

5.    Butterfly betta fish

Butterfly bettas have a solid-colored body with their fins shading to cellophane. They may be two or three colors, with one-half to one-third of their bodies showing each color. The line between color and cellophane in higher-quality specimens will be stark and very noticeable.

Although this variety can also be bred with the marbled trait, it’s considered undesirable in the betta show world.

6.    Koi betta fish

Koi patterned betta are related to marbles. This trait is most commonly seen in plakat-type bettas. Koi betta has been bred to look similar to the koi fish often caught in Japanese ponds.

7.    Veil tail betta fish

The VT betta has a long, drooping tail that streams out behind him when he swims like a sail dragging on the seas. These fish are beautiful, fertile, and generally healthy, although they may nip at their fins when stressed.

8.    Halfmoon betta fish

An actual half moon has a full 180-degree tail and can be any color or mix of colors. They are usually considered a long-finned betta variety, except when specifically listed. How long do half moon betta fish live? They can live up to 5 years if cared for properly.