The colorful and eye-catching fighter fish are among the most popular fish kept as pets in freshwater aquariums. The scientific name for this fish is Betta splendens. It is often referred to as the Siamese fighting fish or betta fish.
This fish is prized for both its fierce appearance and its robust character. This famous fish, which is native to Southeast Asia, is frequently seen in aquariums all around the world. Fighter fish are very popular as pets, and it’s understandable why with their flowing, vibrant fins and tails.
They are also resilient plants and not too difficult to care for. It should be mentioned that keeping two males in the same tank will result in the origin of the fighting fish’s moniker.
Table of Contents
Types of Fighter Fish
The number of species of fighting fish is astounding—73. Generally, their colors, patterns, and tail types are used to categorize them. Continue reading to find out about nine of the most well-known species of fighter fish and some amazing trivia about them all!
- Crowntail
- Halfmoon
- Delta or Super Delta
- Dumbo Ear
- Combtail or Half Sun
- Plakat or Shortfin
- Double Tail
- Rosetail
- Veiltail
- Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish)
- Gourami Fighter (Dwarf Gourami)
- Dragon Scale Betta
- Koi Betta
- Wild Betta
- Copper Betta
1. Crowntail
The species of crowntail has only been around for about 25 years. This fighting fish’s remarkable tail inspired its name. The crowntail reaches a maximum length of two and a half inches on average, though some males can reach three inches.
Their fins have rays that are sharp and extended, like a crown. They achieve this look because the fin rays of the tail fin, dorsal and anal fin are lengthy, but the webbing between them is reduced by over a third. They come in various colors and are favored for their striking appearance.
Long-finned species, such as the crown tail, are stunning, but they also have a tendency to nip their tails, and their fin rays curl in low-quality water. Even though they can swim better than some other species, they still prefer calm waters.
Their flowing tails account for the majority of their length. Males’ tail fins can grow up to three times their body size. The fish resembles a crown due to the webbing that runs between its rays on its tail.
2. Halfmoon
A stunning breed with a tail that resembles a 180-degree fan is the Halfmoon. When the tail is fully extended, it resembles the letter “D.” Even though the Halfmoon is a relatively young species.
This fish has only gained popularity since the 19th century, when fish fighting became more common. The halfmoon can be deep blue, vivid red, purple, or orange, with an average length of three inches.
The fins of this breed are amazing; when completely flared, they overlap to give the impression that they are one continuous fin, extending from the dorsal fin to the pelvic fins behind the skull. It is a fantastic option to bring vitality to any aquarium because of its stunning fins and distinctive coloring.
3. Delta or Super Delta
The tails of the delta and super delta bettas resemble the Greek letter “D” or “delta.” As the fish travels, its tail and fins flare, producing a stunning image as it moves through the water.
Like the Halfmoon, the delta and super delta tail fins have straight edges. But they don’t get as big as the Halfmoon does. The tails of super deltas flare out almost but not quite, to 180 degrees. They could extend in a 120–160 degree range. That falls just short of the fishtails on a half-moon.
4. Dumbo Ear
No, unlike Dumbo the elephant, the dumbo-ear-fighting fish does not have large ears. Large pectoral fins that protrude from either side of the fish’s face are what look like ears. These fins resemble elephant ears quite a bit.
Although the other fins in this species vary in size and shape, having such large fins might make swimming challenging. These betta fish should be kept in extremely quiet water, just like the rose tails, to avoid having to struggle against the current.
Aquarium owners should be aware that, despite its beauty, the dumbo ear betta is among the more aggressive species of fighter fish.
5. Combtail or Half Sun
The Halfmoon and crowntail species have crossed to produce the stunning half-sun fighter fish. The outcome is a stunning yet vicious species with a 180-degree tail spread, like a half-moon combined with the crown tail’s webbing.
Combtails make more subtle use of this feature, though. It’s not very apparent how the fin’s ray and webbing differ. A caudal fin that resembles a fan is a common feature of combtail Betta fish. Its widespreadness typically doesn’t extend past 180 degrees.
6. Plakat or Shortfin
The plakat, commonly known as the shortfin, has a wild betta fish appearance. The plakat is a tiny fish with a body shaped like a spade and a short fin. These fish are resilient. Compared to some of the other species, they are less prone to illness or accidents.
They are renowned for being resilient and active people. They were raised to battle. The meaning of their Thai name is “biting fish.” This breed, like the veil tail, frequently possesses a stronger jaw and body than other varieties.
Although plakat bettas have caudal fins that are 180 degrees, they have substantially smaller tails overall than half-moons. The plakat betta fish are more agile than other fish because of their short, round tail and rounded dorsal fins, which enhances their fighting abilities. Plakat betta fish are also less prone to develop fin problems from tearing.
7. Double Tail
The two tails on the double-tail fighter fish give it a unique appearance. Not because the tails are divided, per se. Instead, the caudal fin of these Betta fish is divided, creating the impression that they have two tails. Double Tail Bettas are renowned for having wider bodies and their unique and charming appearance.
Although double tails can have a variety of vivid colors, fighter fish with white fins are particularly popular as pets. The fish has a stunning and distinctive appearance due to the nearly transparent white color of its fins.
8. Rosetail
The feathertail is another name for the rosetail betta fish. The rose petal, or rosetail fighter fish, resembles a species of a half-moon in appearance. On the other hand, the fish’s excessive fin overlapping gives the impression that it is a rose.
A more recent variant is the rosetail. Regretfully, there is a price for the lovely tail it was bred for. Rosetail Betta’s swimming speed is slow. The rosetail betta has a demanding lifestyle and is prone to fatigue.
It is advised to care for these decorative betta fish in a tank with a very slow water flow. These fish can have trouble swimming freely and are more prone to injury because of their big, flowing tails.
9. Veiltail
Among fighting fish, the veiltail is arguably the most often used breed. They are among the most well-liked and widely available betta fish breeds for hobbyists. When the domestication of wild bettas began, they were the first improved breed.
This fish is well-known for its less aggressive demeanor and eye-catching, multicolored fins. The long, asymmetrical tail of the veiltail betta dangles down towards the tip. It has a long, flowing tail that swoops down. The fish swims through it like it’s a transparent veil.
Breeding bettas is rather simple because the dominant gene for this breed exists in them. They are therefore reasonably priced and simple to locate. In addition to its attractiveness, novice hobbyists frequently keep veiltails because they are resilient fish that need little care.
10. Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting Fish)
Sporting vivid hues and graceful fins, betta fish are well-liked by aquarium enthusiasts. Particularly the males are fierce and territorial, and it is best to keep them apart to prevent conflict.
11. Gourami Fighter (Dwarf Gourami)
With the help of a complex labyrinth organ, these fish can breathe air. Compared to betta fish, dwarf gouramis are calmer, but they can still act territorially. They have a variety of hues and designs.
12. Dragon Scale Betta
Dragon Scale Bettas are easily identified by the thick layer of metallic scales covering their bodies, which resemble armor. They frequently have an iridescent, glossy look due to their scales.
13. Koi Betta
The koi betta, sometimes referred to as a marble betta, gets its name from having patterns that resemble those of a koi fish. This is a fish that Koi fans everywhere can keep on your desk rather than in a big pond! It’s interesting to note that this kind of betta will experience color and pattern changes during its life.
Koi are usually three colors—black, white, and orange—and frequently have blotched, spotted, or speckled body color patterns. Furthermore, koi bettas exhibit blue, red, and yellow. Because of their distinctive and beautiful appearance, koi bettas are fascinating and much sought-after.
14. Wild Betta
Across Southeast Asia, the original Betta splendens can be found in the wild. The varied colors and fin types of wild bettas showcase the inherent beauty of these fish before their selective breeding.
15. Copper Betta
These Bettas have a gorgeous and striking appearance because of their shiny copper coloring. A favorite among fans is Copper Bettas because of their distinctive color and sparkling scales.
Conclusion
Because each kind of fighter fish has unique qualities of its own, they are fascinating to watch and take care of in aquariums. Owing to their enduring allure, many species have undergone numerous generations of reproduction, resulting in a multitude of distinct and captivating varieties.
Even while some species may be more vulnerable to health issues because of their DNA and tail structures, keeping your aquarium clean and pleasant will go a long way toward enhancing your betta’s longevity. Feeding a premium pellet would also aid in keeping their color vibrant.
This is a creative and ever-expanding industry, so any committed freshwater fish caretaker who wants to stay current will need to continually investigate and seek new colorations or fin patterns that might exist.
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It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.