Betta fish (Betta splendens) are among the most attractive freshwater aquarium fish because of their vibrant colors and dazzling fins.
Differentiating between the many kinds of betta fish might be difficult for beginners. Bettas come in a variety of tail shapes, hues, and patterns. How are they distinct from one another?
Continue reading if you don't know what kind of betta fish you have! I'll explain to you how their physical characteristics differ from one another. Despite these variations, bettas will always make a beautiful display in any aquarium!
BETTA FISH TAILS
The first thing that you will notice in bettas is their striking tail. From the colors to shapes, the tails vary from one kind to another. Understanding betta tail types is important beyond aesthetics. It will give you a deeper insight into the fish as well, including its genetics. With such, you will also know the level of care and maintenance that it needs.
Beyond appearances, understanding betta tail types is important. You will gain a greater understanding of the fish as well as its genetics thanks to it. With this, you'll also be aware of how much upkeep and care it requires.
1.VEIL TAIL
Tail/Fins: Long flowing fins with a tail that swoops up then trails down, even when the fish flares. Large dorsal and anal fins
Color: available in almost every color
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: less aggressive
The veiltail is by far most common tail type of betta fish. To recognize it look for along, flowing, downwards, swooping tail.
2.CROWN TAIL
Tail/Fins: reduced webbing between rays of the fins creates long spikes on dorsal, anal and caudal fins
Color: every color
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: can be much more aggressive than veil tails
A male crown tail Betta is a spectacular sight. Its dorsal, caudal (tail) and anal fins all have reduced webbing in between the rays so the last ½ to ⅓ of the fins is made up of beautifully flowing spikes. The rays dance and flutter together as the fish swims, especially if it is trying to put on some speed.
3. DOUBLE TAIL
Tail/Fins: two distinct caudal fins that are separated at the base
Color: all colors available
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: aggression depends on the fish’s ancestry
Double tails are very unique looking because they have two distinct tails. Each caudal fin has a distinct base, one above and one below the midline of the fish.
4.Halfmoon
Tail/Fins: 180° tail with overlapping dorsal and anal fins
Color: available in all colors
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; most butterly pattern Bettas are halfmoon; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: more aggressive than veil tails
A halfmoon Betta has an enormous rounded tail that spreads 180°. The trailing edge of the tail is round, so the silhouette of the tail looks like a semicircle (or half moon!).
5. Delta Tail
Tail/Fins: cross between veil tail and halfmoon, caudal fin flares out to a triangle
Color: all colors available
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: aggression depends on individual fish
The delta tail Betta has a tail that is roughly triangular in shape, narrow near the body and then flares out with a rounded edge.
6. Feather Tail
Tail/Fins: extremely ruffly anal, dorsal and caudal fins
Color: available in all colors
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: more aggressive than veil tails
A feather tail is like a rosetail gone completely berserk. They look like a cross between a rosetail and a crowntail. They have the extra rays and branching like a rosetail but they also have fingers of rays and webbing that make the edge of their fins look like, well, feathers.
7. Plakat
Tail/Fins: shorter, less ornate fins/tail
Color: all colors available
Patterns: all patterns available, this variety has marble and koi
Behavior: EXTREMELY aggressive, they are also notorious for trying to jump out of the aquarium
Plakat Bettas (pronounced pla-COT) are much more similar to the wild form of the Betta splendens. These fish were bred in South East Asia specifically for fighting. So they have much shorter fins and large, strong bodies.
8. Halfmoon Plakat
Tail/Fins: slightly larger than regular plakat with halfmoon shaped tail
Color: all colors available
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: very aggressive and prone to jumping
A halfmoon plakat has almost all of the same characteristics of the normal plakat, but has been bred to have a somewhat bigger tail. Just like a halfmoon, the tail spreads to 180ยบ and is shaped like a capital “D”.
9.Half Sun
Tail/Fins: halfmoon fins but tail has fringe of spikes
Color: all colors available
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: more aggressive than a veil tail
The half sun Betta is probably my favorite. Bred from halfmoon and crowntails, they have a halfmoon shaped tail, but a fringe of rays extend a little past the webbing, making the tail look like a stylized sun.
10.SPADE TAIL
Tail/Fins: anal/dorsal fins of a veil tail, tail that flares out then curves to a point
Color: all colors available
Common Patterns: Solid, butterfly, dragon scale, piebald, full mask, grizzle, bi-color; marble and koi very rare
Behavior: similar to a veil tail
The spadetail Betta’s fins look just like a veil tail, but the tail curves back down to a point, just like a spade from a playing card.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TYPES OF TAIL OF BETTA
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