Male betta fish (Betta splendens) are prized for their flowing fins and bold colours, but “betta” isn’t just one look: there’s a whole range of tail types and colour patterns to choose from. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right one for your tank.
Veiltail
The most common tail type, with a long, drooping tail fin. Hardy and widely available, veiltails are a great choice for first-time betta keepers.
Halfmoon
Named for its tail, which fans out to form a half-circle (180°) when flared. Halfmoons have some of the most dramatic fins of any betta type. See our Betta Halfmoon Yellow as an example.
Crowntail
Instantly recognisable thanks to spiky, webbed-reduced fin rays that give the tail a crown-like, spiked appearance.
Plakat
Short-finned bettas, closer in shape to the wild betta splendens fish. Because their fins are shorter, plakats tend to be hardier swimmers and slightly less prone to fin damage.
Dragon Scale and Metallic
Thick, metallic-looking scales that give the fish an armoured appearance, often in striking metallic blues, coppers, or whites. Our Black Dragon Betta Fish is a good example of this type.
Koi and Marble Patterns
Named for their resemblance to koi carp, these bettas show patches of red, white, orange and black in an irregular, marbled pattern that can even continue to change as the fish ages, like our Red Koi Betta Male.
Choosing Your Betta
Whichever tail type catches your eye, all male bettas need the same basic care: a heated, filtered tank, stable warm water, and to be kept alone or with carefully chosen tankmates.
Browse our full range of betta fish to see what’s currently in stock, or read our guide to Female Betta Sorority Tanks if you’re considering females instead.
For more on looking after your betta, see our guide to choosing betta tank mates and our guide to getting the right betta water temperature.