Rare betta fish varieties cover multiple categories. Below are some relatively rare betta fish varieties along with their characteristics:
I. Rare Native Betta Fish of China
Hong Kong Black Paradise Fish (Macropodus hongkongensis)
Distribution: Mainly distributed in the coastal areas of Hong Kong, Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi in China.
Characteristics: It has a deep body color. When displaying, its dorsal fin, anal fin, and caudal fin show a strong contrast between rich wine red and dark blue, exuding an extraordinary temperament. It is an independent species, not a variant of the common paradise fish.
Rarity: Due to its narrow distribution range and high requirements for water quality, the natural population is scarce, making it a rare species.
Vietnamese Black Paradise Fish (Macropodus spechti)
Distribution: First discovered in Vietnam, and also distributed in Guangxi, China.
Characteristics: The (extended fin rays) of its caudal fin and anal fin is extremely exaggerated. It moves with great momentum, has a deep body color, and the fin membranes have a metallic luster.
Rarity: Its extreme ornamental value has spawned a large circle of high-quality breeding. Individuals with good appearance are comparable to works of art, and the market circulation volume is limited.
Improved Varieties of Round-Tailed Paradise Fish
Distribution: The Yangtze River Basin and northern provinces of China.
Characteristics: Through artificial selection, its body color is more vivid, and the spotted "starry sky" patterns on the fins have become a unique symbol.
Rarity: It is relatively rare in China, especially in non-native areas where it can only be obtained through specific channels.
II. Rare Strains of Thai Betta Fish
Crowntail Betta (Lion King Betta)
Characteristics: The terminal fin rays of its dorsal fin, anal fin, and caudal fin extend in a slender fish-bone shape, forming an appearance similar to a lion's mane.
Rarity: It is classified into two-fork, four-fork, eight-fork, etc., according to the number of crown tail forks. Among them, the eight-fork crowntail is the top-grade variety, with a relatively high market price.
Halfmoon Betta
Characteristics: Its caudal fin unfolds into a 180° "D" shape, with a crisp and straight edge, and it has extremely high ornamental value.
Rarity: It needs to be obtained through specific breeding. Its caudal fin is fragile, and it is difficult to raise, making it an exhibition-level betta fish.
Over Halfmoon Betta
Characteristics: Its caudal fin unfolds more than 180°, and it is a by-product of breeding halfmoon bettas.
Rarity: Due to the excessively large fins, it has difficulty swimming, so the market circulation volume is small, and most of them are collected by senior enthusiasts.
Double Tail Betta
Characteristics: Its caudal fin forms two lobes, the dorsal fin is obviously elongated, and the two tails have a high degree of bifurcation.
Rarity: It has a weak constitution and poor disease resistance, making it difficult to raise, and the market supply is limited.
III. Rare Betta Fish from Other Regions
Malpulutta kretseri (Long Sword-Tailed Betta)
Distribution: Forest streams in Sri Lanka.
Characteristics: It is a carnivorous fish that feeds on live bait and has a low acceptance of flake feed. Male fish build bubble nests with plant debris to protect their young.
Rarity: The population in natural waters is scarce, and Sri Lanka prohibits the trade of wild individuals, so the commercial circulation volume is extremely low. It is mainly bred by enthusiasts with rich breeding experience.
Mondulkiri Halfmoon Betta
Distribution: Native to Mondulkiri, Cambodia.
Characteristics: It belongs to the butterfly-wing color system. Its body color and fin color are intertwined and rendered, forming a unique pattern, just like the colorful wings of a butterfly.
Rarity: Regional restrictions lead to a small market circulation volume, and most of them are held by specific collectors.
Vientiane Halfmoon Betta
Distribution: Native to Vientiane, Laos.
Characteristics: It has a three-layer butterfly-wing structure. Individuals with Turkish green bodies have good physical fitness and belong to one of the four major native color systems.
Rarity: Due to the remote origin and high breeding difficulty, the market supply is scarce.