Betta fish are one of the more affordable tropical fish to get started with, but prices can vary quite a bit depending on colour, tail type and rarity. Here’s what to expect when budgeting for your first (or next) betta.
Average Betta Fish Prices in the UK
Standard colours and tail types typically start from around £11-15 in UK fish shops and online stores, including our own betta fish, which start from £11.25. Prices climb from there depending on how unusual the colour or finnage is, with rarer specimens reaching £25-40 or more.
What Affects the Price
Tail type plays a big role: classic veiltails are the most widely bred and tend to be the most affordable, while halfmoon, crowntail and dumbo ear varieties often cost more due to the selective breeding involved. Our guide to male betta fish types breaks down the differences between these tail shapes if you’re deciding which to go for.
Colour and pattern matter too. Solid, common colours like red or blue sit at the lower end of the price range, while dragon scale, koi-patterned and marble bettas command a premium because the patterns are harder to breed consistently. Sex can also affect price, since female betta fish for sale are sometimes slightly cheaper than males, whose fins take longer to develop and are the main visual draw.
Ongoing Costs to Budget For
The fish itself is only part of the cost. A heater, filter and appropriately sized tank are essential one-off purchases, while food, water conditioner and occasional treatments are ongoing running costs. Our guide on how to set up a tropical fish tank is a good starting point if you’re pricing up a full setup rather than just the fish.
Getting Good Value
A cheaper betta from an unquarantined or poorly kept source can end up costing more in the long run through illness or a short lifespan. Buying from a seller who quarantines and health-checks stock, and who can answer questions about water temperature and parameters or diet, is generally worth the small premium over the cheapest listing you can find. Our betta fish temperature guide explains what good conditions look like.
For more on looking after your betta, see our guide to choosing betta tank mates and our guide to the betta fish lifespan.