Types of Betta Fish & Naming Guide for Each Betta Species

We intend to create this article to also help you to understand more about the multiple varieties of betta and as a guide to share with you what we carry currently and in the past, as the trend of Betta Fish evolves over the years. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how to name a Betta fish correctly using color, scale type, tail shape, size, and gender. You’ll not only understand the reasoning behind the names, but also gain insight into the many beautiful varieties available—from classic Halfmoons to rare Giant Galaxy Bettas. Whether you're a beginner Betta enthusiast or a seasoned collector, this guide will help you decode Betta names like a pro—and shop smarter when choosing your next aquatic companion.

Why Do Betta Fish Have So Many Names?

Betta fish are among the most diverse and vibrant freshwater species in the aquarium world. With countless color combinations, tail shapes, scale patterns, and sizes, it's no surprise they have such unique and often long names. These names aren’t just for show—they help hobbyists, breeders, and collectors identify each fish’s characteristics accurately. Let's learn how to properly name a betta fish.

The Formula to Name a Betta Fish Correctly

The "formula" to name a betta correctly is this:

Color + Scale Type + Tail Type + Size + Gender + "Betta Fish"

Example: If you have a Red color betta with Galaxy Body, Halfmoon Plakat tail type, with Giant Size and Male Betta. You would call it Red Galaxy Halfmoon Plakat Giant Male Betta Fish.

This naming method not only gives a full description but also makes it easier for buyers and breeders to understand what they’re getting.

Different Types of Betta Fish

Halfmoon Betta Fish

1. Solid Color Halfmoon Betta Fish

Red Halfmoon Betta Fish: A classic choice, this Betta has deep red coloration with a dramatic, symmetrical tail.

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Image of Red Halfmoon Betta Fish

Blue Halfmoon Betta Fish: Rich sapphire or metallic blue body with a full, flowing halfmoon tail.

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Image of Blue Halfmoon Betta Fish

Yellow Halfmoon Betta Fish: A bright, cheerful Betta with solid yellow scales and impressive finnage.

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Image of Yellow Halfmoon Betta Fish

2. Multi-Color Halfmoon Betta Fish

Mustard Gas Halfmoon Betta Fish: Features a blue or teal body with yellow fins—an eye-catching color contrast.
Peppermint Halfmoon Betta Fish: Light pastel tones resembling minty candy, often with soft blue and pink hues.
Deep Blue and Purple Halfmoon Betta Fish: A bold mix of dark blue and purple shades that shimmer under aquarium lighting.

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Image of multi-color halfmoon betta

3. Dumbo Ear Halfmoon Betta Fish

Dumbo Ear Halfmoon Lavender Betta Fish:Lavender-toned body with oversized pectoral fins that resemble elephant ears.
Dumbo Ear White: Elegant, all-white Betta with prominent Dumbo-style fins.

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Image of Dumbo Ear Halfmoon Lavender Betta Fish

Halfmoon Plakat (HMPK) Betta Fish

1. Koi HMPK Betta Fish

Koi Nemo HMPK Betta Fish: Koi Nemo Halfmoon Plakat Betta Fish is well known for their multi color on body with the base orange and red. Depending on each breeder, the babies can have more yellow than red or vice versa.

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Image of Koi Nemo Betta Fish

Koi Galaxy HMPK Betta Fish: There are so many types of Koi Galaxy. The Galaxy is considered when a betta fish has speckles of white color on the body on top of a base color of the fish, like red, blue, black, yellow, etc. The more galaxy or gill plates a betta fish has on its body, the higher the quality would be. The unique thing about a Koi Galaxy Betta is that none of the patterns will be the same, just like a human fingerprint. It is all named based on the base color of the fish; for example, we have:
- Red Koi Galaxy HMPK Betta Fish

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Image of Show Grade Red Koi Galaxy Halfmoon Plakat Male Betta Fish

Black and Blue Koi Galaxy

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Image of Black and Blue Koi Galaxy Halfmoon Plakat Betta Fish

2. Fancy HMPK Betta Fish

Red Fancy HMPK Betta Fish (Hellboy HMPK Betta Fish): A fiery red Betta often paired with white or blue accents, inspired by the comic character.

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Image of standard Red Fancy with White Color

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Image of a Red Fancy Betta with a lot of Blue

Yellow Fancy HMPK Betta Fish: Sunny yellow tones accented by splashes of blue or metallic shades for a bold look.

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3. Dumbo Ear HMPK Betta Fish

Lavender Dumbo HMPK Betta Fish: Light purple body with soft pastel tones and large, flowing pectoral fins.

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Image of Lavender Dumbo Betta Fish

White Dumbo HMPK Betta Fish: Pure white coloration and graceful Dumbo fins—ideal for minimalist tanks.

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Image of White Dumbo HMPK Betta Fish

Blue Dumbo HMPK Betta Fish: Deep ocean blue body and expanded white or matching blue Dumbo fins.
Yellow Dumbo HMPK Betta Fish: Bright yellow hue and oversized fins that enhance movement and flair.

4. Dragon Scale HMPK Betta Fish

Red Dragon Scale HMPK Betta Fish: Red body with thick, reflective white or silver scales resembling armor.
Black Dragon Scale HMPK Betta Fish: Dark black or charcoal tones with metallic dragon-like scales.
Yellow Dragon Scale HMPK Betta Fish: Bright yellow body with shimmering, scale-like texture.

Giant Halfmoon Plakat (HMPK) Betta Fish

Giant HMPK Bettas, or Giant Bettas, are selectively bred to be larger than typical Bettas, often exceeding 3 inches. They retain the same stunning colors and patterns found in standard HMPKs but make a bigger visual impact.

Red Koi HMPK Giant Betta Fish: Large version of the popular red koi pattern with powerful tail spread.
Galaxy Koi HMPK Giant Betta Fish: Combines size and unique galaxy speckles—ideal for show tanks.
Red Fancy HMPK Giant Betta Fish (Hellboy HMPK Betta Fish): A vibrant red Betta with multi-color markings in an oversized frame.

Wild Type Betta Fish

Wild-type Bettas resemble their ancestors in nature and typically display more natural, muted colors and aggressive behavior. They're ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate the original Betta splendens look and behavior.

Conclusion

Betta fish are more than just beautiful—they’re living art. With the right naming formula, you can fully capture and express the uniqueness of each fish. From classic Halfmoons to rare Giant Galaxy HMPKs, understanding the naming system helps you navigate the ever-evolving world of Betta fish with confidence.

At Splashy Fish Store tropical fish store, we stock a wide variety of Betta fish types—from Fancy HMPKs to Show-Grade Galaxy Bettas. Now that you know how to read and name them properly, you can pick your next aquatic star with ease.

Betta Fish Species Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does HMPK mean in Betta fish?

HMPK stands for Halfmoon Plakat, a variety of Betta fish with a short tail and a wide 180-degree spread. They're active swimmers and a favorite among breeders.

What is a Koi Galaxy Betta?

A Koi Galaxy Betta fish features a colorful body (like red, blue, or yellow) with shimmering white speckles that resemble stars—hence the name "Galaxy." No two are alike.

Are Giant Betta Fish different from regular Betta?

Yes. Giant Betta Fish are bred for size, growing up to 3 inches or more. They require more space and food but have the same beautiful traits as standard Bettas.