How to Choose the Perfect Betta Fish for Your Aquarium

May 25, 2025

Betta fish are one of the most beautiful and personality-filled freshwater fish you can add to your home aquarium. With so many colors, tail types, and temperaments to choose from, picking the right Betta can feel overwhelming—especially if you're new to the hobby.

At Midas Aquatics, we specialize in rare and healthy Betta fish shipped across Canada. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect Betta for your tank.

1. Decide Between Male or Female Betta

Males are more colorful with larger, flowy fins in fancy types and shorter spade tails or round tails in plakat varieties. They tend to be more territorial and are usually kept solo.
Females are smaller and can sometimes be kept in groups (called sororities) with proper care.

Best for beginners? Start with one male or one female in a solo tank.

2. Choose a Tail Type That You Love

Betta fish come in a variety of tail shapes. Here are some popular ones:

Halfmoon – Large, dramatic tail that spreads to 180 degrees.
Crowntail – Spiky, edgy tail fins that look like a crown.
Plakat – Short-tailed Betta, great for active swimmers and beginners.
Double Tail – Unique tail that’s split into two lobes.
Rosetail / Feathertail – Ultra-fancy and fluffy, but requires a bit more care.

Pick the tail that matches your style and experience level. Plakats are ideal for easy maintenance, while Halfmoons and Rosetails are great for show tanks.

3. Pick a Color That Pops in Your Tank

Betta colors include:

Koi – Mixed orange, black, and white like the famous pond fish.
Alien – Metallic shades with deep blues and greens.
Galaxy – Speckled and starry-looking.
Solid – Classic red, blue, white, or even black.

Choose a Betta whose color will stand out against your tank’s background and decorations.

4. Think About Tank Size & Setup

Bettas need at least 5 gallons of water per fish.
Include a filter, heater (they like 76–82°F), and plants or hiding spots.
Avoid strong currents — Bettas prefer calm water.

Pro tip: A well-set-up tank means less stress and longer life for your Betta.

5. Consider Personality & Activity Level

Some Bettas are mellow and love to explore, while others are more aggressive or shy. Ask the seller (like us!) about the Betta’s temperament if you're not sure.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Betta fish is part art, part science. Focus on:

Health and activity level
A look you’ll love
Compatibility with your tank

At Midas Aquatics, we hand-pick each Betta for color, health, and personality. Whether you’re in Ottawa or anywhere in Canada, we ship carefully and responsibly to get your fish to you in top shape.

Ready to meet your perfect Betta? Shop our Betta Fish collection now

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