You see a Betta for RM 5. You see another one for RM 500. They are the same color. So what is the difference? The Tail.
Breeders have spent 100 years engineering these shapes. Here are the names you need to know so you don’t get scammed.
1. The “Classics” (Common in Every Shop)
A. Veiltail (VT)
- The Look: Long, drooping tail that hangs down like a wet cloth or a wedding veil.
- The Vibe: This is the “Pet Shop Special.” It’s the fish you see in a jar at the counter.
- Pros: Very cheap, hardy, and classic.
- Cons: The heavy tail makes them slow swimmers. They often get “fin nipped” by other fish.
B. Crowntail (CT) – Local Name: “Serit”
- The Look: The webbing between the fins is missing, leaving long, sharp spikes. It looks like a heavy metal fan.
- The Vibe: Aggressive and distinct. A favorite in Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Pros: Looks scary and cool.
- Cons: High Maintenance. Those spikes curl if the water is dirty. Requires perfect water quality.
C. Plakat (PK) – Local Name: “Laga” / “Fighter”
- The Look: Short, round tail. Looks like the wild ancestor.
- The Vibe: The “Gangster.” This is the fighter.
- Pros: Indestructible. They swim fast, rarely get fin rot, and live longer. Best for beginners.
- Cons: Less “showy” than the long-finned types (unless you get a fancy HMPK).
2. The “Show” Grades (Expensive)
D. Halfmoon (HM)
- The Look: When he flares, the tail opens up to a perfect 180-degree semi-circle (like a “D” shape).
- The Vibe: The “Princess.” Beautiful but fragile.
- Pros: Stunning display. The standard for beauty contests.
- Cons: Very Hard to Keep. The massive tail often tears under its own weight (“biting his own tail”). Needs calm water (no strong filter).
E. Halfmoon Plakat (HMPK)
- The Look: A short tail (Plakat) that still opens 180 degrees (Halfmoon).
- The Vibe: The “Perfect Hybrid.” You get the beauty of the Halfmoon with the toughness of the Plakat.
- Pros: The #1 most popular fish in the modern hobby. Expensive but worth it.
- Cons: None, really. Just pricey.
F. Double Tail (DT)
- The Look: The tail is split into two distinct lobes (Top and Bottom).
- The Vibe: “Heart Shape.”
- Pros: Unique look. The body is usually shorter and “chunky.”
- Cons: Genetic issues. Their spines are often bent or short, leading to swim bladder problems.
3. The “Mutants” (Rare & Weird)
G. Rosetail & Feathertail
- The Look: An extreme Halfmoon with so much branching in the fins that it looks like a ruffled rose petal or messy feathers.
- The Vibe: “The Baroque Painting.” Over-the-top beauty.
- Pros: Insane to look at.
- Cons: The “Broken” Fish. The tail is often too heavy for the fish to swim. They spend their lives resting on the bottom. I don’t recommend buying these unless you feel sorry for them.
H. Dumbo Ear (Elephant Ear)
- The Look: Not a tail type, but a pectoral fin type. The side fins are huge and look like big ears.
- The Vibe: “Cute.”
- Pros: Very popular and distinct.
- Cons: Makes them swim clumsily.
I. Spade Tail
- The Look: Pointy tail, like the “Spade” on a playing card.
- The Vibe: “The Alien.”
- Pros: Common in “Alien Bettas” (Wild Hybrids). Very aerodynamic.
Shop Guy Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- For the 100% Beginner: Get a Veiltail. Cheap and forgives mistakes.
- For the “I Want a Cool Pet”: Get a Plakat (HMPK). Tough, active, and won’t get sick easily.
- For the “I Want Art”: Get a Halfmoon. But be prepared to do water changes every 3 days.
For the “I Like Pain”: Get a Rosetail. You will spend all year treating him.
