When most people hear "betta fish," they picture the brilliantly colored Betta splendens with its long, flowing fins. This is the common Siamese Fighting Fish found in pet stores around the world. But that fish is just one single species, selectively bred for its appearance. The wider world of bettas is far more vast and fascinating.

The genus Betta includes over 73 recognized species, and most of them are known as "wild bettas." These are the fish as they appear in their natural habitats across Southeast Asia. Exploring wild betta fish types opens up a whole new side of the hobby, full of subtle beauty, interesting behaviors, and a strong connection to the natural world. This guide is for beginners who are curious about these special fish. We will explore what makes them different, discuss a few great starter species, and cover the basics of how to care for them.

What Exactly Are Wild Bettas

Wild bettas are the various Betta species that live in the wild. They are found in rice paddies, shallow streams, peat swamps, and forests in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Unlike their domesticated cousins, wild bettas often have different body shapes, shorter fins, and more subtle, earthy colors. While the common Betta splendens was bred for vibrant, solid colors, wild types often show iridescent blues, greens, and reds that flash when the fish moves or displays. Their natural appearance is a form of camouflage, helping them blend into the leaf-litter and dark waters of their homes.

The variety is incredible. There are tiny, peaceful species and large, predatory ones. There are fish like Betta imbellis (the Peaceful Betta), Betta mahachaiensis (the Mahachai Betta), and Betta smaragdina (the Emerald Betta). Each has its own unique look and requirements. The common betta is just one small branch on a very large family tree.

Are Wild Bettas Good for Beginners?

This is a common question, and the answer is "it depends."

If you are a complete beginner to fishkeeping, meaning you have never kept an aquarium before, wild bettas might be a challenge. They often require more specific water conditions than a domesticated betta or a guppy. You will need to understand some basic fishkeeping terms and be willing to do some research.

However, if you have some experience or are a dedicated beginner who enjoys research, many wild betta types are perfectly suitable. Keeping them is not very different from keeping other fish from your local store, you just need to know what they need.

The first question to ask yourself is not about color or size, but about behavior. Wild bettas are generally split into two major groups based on how they raise their young.

The First Big Choice Bubble Nesters or Mouthbrooders

Understanding this difference is the best way to start narrowing down which of the 70+ species might be right for you.

Understanding Bubble Nesters

Bubble nesters are likely what you are familiar with. The common Betta splendens is a bubble nester.

In these species, the male fish builds a nest at the water's surface using his own saliva to create a cluster of sticky bubbles. These nests are often built under a floating leaf or among plants. He then coaxes a female to the nest, they embrace, and as the female releases her eggs, the male catches them and carefully places them into the bubble nest. The male then guards the nest fiercely, chasing away the female and any other fish, until the eggs hatch and the fry (baby fish) are old enough to swim on their own.

A good example is Betta smaragdina. The male will tend to his nest and fry with dedication.

Understanding Mouthbrooders

Mouthbrooding is a completely different and fascinating strategy.

With these species, there is no bubble nest. After the male and female embrace and eggs are released, the male will scoop the fertilized eggs into his mouth. He (and in rare cases, the female) will hold these eggs in his mouth for weeks. He will not eat during this time. He just holds and protects the eggs, gently tumbling them to keep them clean and oxygenated until they hatch and the fry are free-swimming.

An example of this is Betta unimaculata, where the male can be seen with a large, full mouth while he is "holding" his eggs.

Good Wild Betta Groups for Beginners

Once you have an idea of which breeding style you find more interesting, you can look at specific species. For beginners, we usually recommend starting with species from two particular groups, known as "complexes."

The Coccina Complex

If you like the idea of a bubble nester, the Betta coccina complex is a fantastic place to start. These are often called "wine-red bettas," and they are a group of small, slender, and often beautifully colored fish.

• Appearance: They are generally small and have a deep red or burgundy body, often with a bright, iridescent spot on their side.
• Temperament: They are less aggressive than the Betta splendens complex. However, they are more aggressive than the beginner mouthbrooders we will discuss next. You still need to watch for squabbles, especially between males.
• Breeding: They are bubble nesters, but their fry (babies) are relatively large. This is a big advantage, as the fry can often eat newly hatched baby brine shrimp right away, which is an easy food to provide.

The Albimarginata Complex

For those who want to try mouthbrooders, we almost always recommend the Betta albimarginata complex. This group includes species like Betta albimarginata and Betta channoides.

• Appearance: These are some of the smallest mouthbrooding bettas. Males are striking, often developing deep red or orange colors with bold black and white edges on their fins.
• Temperament: These fish are far less aggressive than most other bettas. Because they are so peaceful, you can often keep them in a small group or colony in the right size tank. This makes for a very active and interesting display.
• Breeding: As mouthbrooders, the males do all the work. Like the Coccina complex, their fry are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp as soon as the male releases them, making them relatively simple to raise.

Explore the World of Wild Bettas with Tropicflow

Wild betta fish offer a window into a more natural and diverse side of the aquarium hobby. While they may require a bit more research, the reward of seeing their unique behaviors and subtle beauty is more than worth it. From the dedicated parenting of a mouthbrooder to the intricate dance of a bubble nester, these fish are truly special.

Here at Tropicflow, we are passionate about these amazing fish. We work to provide healthy, well-cared-for bettas to hobbyists who appreciate their unique qualities.

If you are ready to start your journey, or just want to see the stunning variety of domesticated bettas we offer, please visit our collections.