Is investing a substantial amount of money in an exceptionally exquisite Betta fish a possibility? These diminutive aquatic companions, commonly called Siamese fighting fish, boast a lifespan of two to five years.
While the Betta fish is a familiar and widely recognized species, there are numerous exotic and distinctive types beyond what’s typically found in local pet stores.
After conducting research and dedicating time to studying them, I discovered nine specimens that many individuals may never have the opportunity to encounter.
Rare Exotic Betta Fishes
However, their brevity in existence does little to diminish their perceived value. Devotees of fish-keeping are drawn to the allure of captivating and uncommon hues exhibited by these exotic Betta fish.
Indigenous to the 75-80°F (23-27°C) waters of Southeast Asia, specifically in countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Siamese fighting fish contribute a vibrant presence to freshwater environments.
The males, adorned with vivid colors and extravagant, billowing tails, exude a magical and elegant aesthetic. Their graceful movements within aquariums add a touch of beauty and a burst of color to countless households around the globe.
Caring for exotic Betta fish is relatively manageable but a complex task. Therefore, thorough research is imperative before introducing these stunning Fish to your aquarium.
True Purple Betta
The genuine purple Betta fish is uncommon and can command prices in the thousands. The high expense is attributed to the extensive time and effort required to cultivate a solid purple Betta.
Alternatives to the authentic purple Betta are accessible at a more affordable rate, still presenting a stunning array of colors to enhance your aquarium. These variations may include shades like pinkish, bluish, blackish, and more. Typically, these variants are priced at several hundred dollars.
Samurai Koi Galaxy Betta
The Samurai Koi Galaxy Betta Fish boasts a range of vivid orange and red koi speckles and stunning dark blue tones reminiscent of a galaxy, complemented by distinctive dragon scaling.
This unique coloration, coupled with the speckled Koi fish appearance, results in a genuinely unique-looking exotic Betta fish. The price range for these Bettas typically falls between $100 to several hundred dollars.
Fan tail Betta
Fan-Tailed Betta Fish are plentiful, featuring gracefully elongated tails that look luxurious as they glide through the water. Available in various colors, the more vibrant and extravagant their hues, the more rigorous their breeding program likely was, resulting in a higher price tag.
The terminology “Fantail” is derived from a genetic anomaly leading to the growth of two caudal fins, enhancing the already voluminous tail compared to the standard Betta. There’s a historical precedent for enthusiasts paying substantial sums, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars, for specific fantails due to their unique and captivating qualities.
White Dragon King Crown Betta
The White Dragon King Crown Betta stands out for its exceptional rarity; the image doesn’t do justice to its appearance, as it is entirely pure white. Despite the visual similarity to the photographed exotic Betta Fish, the White Dragon King Crown Betta possesses a distinctive allure with its striking tail and captivating “dragon scales.”
The sheer beauty of these features contributes to their significant market value. The male Bettas, characterized by an expansive caudal fin, gives rise to the moniker “crown tail” for this splendid Fish. The caudal fin can reach up to three times the size of the Fish’s body, resembling the majestic spiky fins akin to the top of a king’s crown.
Butterfly Betta
The Butterfly Betta Fish is an exquisite specimen characterized by vibrant primary colors that cascade gracefully. Typically, this exotic Fish displays two distinct half-moon patterns of color on its tail. The body boasts a single color that seamlessly blends into the fins, reaching halfway before transitioning.
The secondary hue of the fins commonly takes on a translucent white or pearl color. True to its namesake, the Butterfly Betta mimics the shape of a butterfly. While not as rare as some other Betta varieties, the cost of these Fish can vary depending on the intricacy of their color scheme and overall rarity.
Dragon scale Exotic Betta Fish
The Dragon Scale Betta Fish represents a relatively recent addition to the Betta fish spectrum. Distinguishing itself from other Betta types, this variant features slightly more elevated and noticeable scales.
The Fish derives its namesake from the attractive metallic sheen of the dragon scales, often presenting in a combination of dark blue or red scales against a predominantly white body. Notably, the Dragon Scale Betta resembles the Koi Betta Fish, as illustrated above, showcasing the versatility in their appearance.
Thailand Betta Fish
The Thailand Betta fish stands out as a high-value investment with potential costs reaching the thousands. Recognized for its short fins and robust body, this Betta variant is scarce, featuring breathtaking color combinations.
Over time, breeders have infused vibrant color schemes into a stock that was once relatively bland in its natural, wild appearance. In contrast to the standard and widely popular Betta, characterized by long, flowing fins, Thailand Betta fish to the original wild Bettas with their distinctive short fins and possess a more muscular and robust physique.
Twin tail Betta
The Twin tail Betta Fish boasts a distinctive split tail, creating the illusion of having two separate seats. While not the rarest or priciest among Betta Fish, they exhibit an uncommon feature. However, caring for these Fish is more challenging than their non-split-tailed counterparts. The split tail can occasionally cause difficulties in swimming and makes them more prone to fin injuries.
These Twin tail Bettas debuted in the 1920s in Japan, initially envisioned as the koi fish equivalent in the Betta world.
Crown tail Betta
The striking Crown tail Betta earns its name from the elongated, ray-like caudal fins resembling a crown’s top. Available in many colors, these Fish showcase some of the most distinctive appearances, adding to their majestic allure.
The cost of these Bettas varies depending on the sought-after color variation and whether the Fish also possesses dragon scales, potentially leading to higher-than-expected prices. Crown tail variants stand among the most expensive Bettas globally.
Rose tail Betta
The Rose Tail Betta Fish stands out as a collection of rose-colored beauties adorned with large, flowing tails that create the impression of silk. While adding to their aesthetic appeal, the elaborate tails necessitate specific care to prevent accidental injuries. A unique variant of the half-moon Bettas, Rose Tails exhibits even more ruffled and overlapping bottoms. To optimize their swimming ability, it is advisable keeping Fish in very slow-moving water.
Dumbo Betta
Is it advisable the Dumbo Betta Fish bears similarities to its relative, the Halfmoon Betta fish, except for its distinctive fins? Dumbo Bettas features broad and elongated pectoral fins that closely resemble the ears of a well-known elephant.
In contrast to other Betta varieties, their tails tend to be slightly shorter. Observing these Fish, one might ponder whether there’s an adobe elephant gracefully navigating the aquarium. 10. Indeed, it is a fish.
A notable aspect distinguishing these captivating Fish is that, unlike most other Betta species, the females exhibit more prominent tails than their male counterparts. This unique trait enhances the desirability of female Dumbo Bettas among enthusiasts.
Wild-Caught Betta
In the mid-1800s, Betta Fish were initially documented and studied in the rice paddies of Southeastern Asia. Presently, we have categorized 75 distinct types of wild-caught Betta fish. The original exotic Betta fish did not boast large, luxuriously flowing tails, vibrant colors, or shiny scales.
Instead, they were relatively unadorned and were referred to as biting Fish, a term still used in Asia. The rarest among the wild Betta species is the Betta macro stoma. Initially thought to be extinct, these wild Bettas were rediscovered in 1981.