The Betta fish kept on a commercial food diet had more muted colors upon growth.īettas can differ in their patterns as well. In a study looking at the effect of feeding mosquito larvae on the coloration of Siamese fighting fish, it was seen that mosquito larvae kept on a diet of microalgae used as live feed resulted in more brightly colored adult Betta fish. Some fish cannot produce these pigments and must obtain them through their diet. The amount of these pigments in these cells and how “deep” they are in the cells affect the expression of color (how rich or dark the color is, what color we see, how light the color is). Iridophores have small hexagonal crystals in them that scatter light in different ways and produce the steel blue, blue, and green colors we see. These pigments are found in cells called chromatophores and iridophores. Red colors are the most prominent in all Bettas and even non-red Bettas can have a “red wash” because of the dominance of the red coloration. These pigment cells are lutein or xanthin (yellow), melanin (black), and erythropterin/ erythrin (red). The myriad of colors Betta fishes have is actually caused by just THREE kinds of pigments in combination with light scattering through special cells. Bettas found in the wild look quite distinct from ornamental Betta fish.

Wild types, or the original types of Bettas, have shorter and less elaborate tails similar to how ornamental females look like. Injuries on the tails can lead to tail rot.īecause of the Betta’s elaborate tails, they cannot swim as fast and require gentle water flow in their tanks. Tail-biting can be a problem for Rosetail Bettas as they mistake their own tails for another fish and attack it. The variation in tail types is usually due to its shape, size, and webbing.Ī betta’s tail affects its swimming speed and how prone it is to certain health issues such as tail rot. The long flowing and silk-like tails are a Betta’s crowning glory. Males of different animal species are often more brightly colored than females to aid in their mating displays during reproduction or a standoff with another male. The female counterparts of the different Betta types have shorter and less elaborate tails along with more muted colors. Male Bettas are the ones with elegant tails and bright colors. The Bettas you will see on display are most likely males. Different tail, color, and pattern types are present in all combinations, giving rise to numerous Betta fish types or breeds. Pattern refers to how the color is expressed (bi-color, solid color, marble). Next is color and pattern.Ĭolor is quite varied as well since many different colors are available. The main classification for the different types or breeds of Bettas is their fins or tails since this is their most distinguishing characteristic. “This means it doesn’t take that extensive several crosses to get the trait or traits that you want for your fish.” How Are Betta Fish Classified into Different Types? Kwon said in an interview with the New York Times. It turns out, “Many of the traits that breeders are selecting are regulated by very few genes that have a major effect,” Ms. revealed a long history of domestication and why so many different types were easily bred over the years.

1000 years’ worth of domestication has led to almost a hundred types to date, including one that resembles the flag of Thailand, the native homeland of these fishes.Ī recent genetic study on wild and domestic Betta fish by Kwon et al. The Betta’s characteristic colors and long, flowing fins result from years of careful selective breeding.

How Many Types Of Betta Fish Are There?Įasily the most popular and recognizable ornamental fish, the Betta or Siamese fighting fish, scientifically known as Betta splendens, has held aquarists in awe of its beautiful hues and silk-like fins for hundreds of years.What Are The Different Types Of Betta Fish?.How Many Types of Betta Fish Are There?.How Are Betta Fish Classified into Different Types?.

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