Introduction
Black betta fish have an air of mystique and allure unmatched by any other color variety. With their striking midnight hues and flowing fins that ripple iridescent blues and greens, it’s easy to see why black bettas are one of the most sought-after variations.
While ordinary red and blue bettas may be common finds, the elusive black betta is a rare gem, seldom seen in local fish stores. Their rarity adds to the mysticism surrounding these exotic fish, almost elevating them to mythical creature status among enthusiasts.
In this article, BettaFishy will explore the various kinds of black betta fish and what makes them so unique. From genetic quirks to ideal tank setups, you’ll learn everything you need to keep one of these dark beauties happy and healthy.
So get ready to dive into the mystique and allure of black betta fish!
The Best Type of Black Betta Fish for You
Black Melano Bettas
The black melano betta is known for having the deepest, jet black coloration of all the black betta varieties. Their scales absorb all light, creating an intense black that can appear almost blue-black at times, like a raven’s wing (NiceBettaThailand). These bettas have a solid black body and fins with no iridescence or other colors showing through. The black melano gene is recessive, making true black melanos somewhat rare and highly sought after by betta enthusiasts and breeders. They stand out for their sleek black appearance and graceful fins flowing against the stark background.
Black Lace Bettas
Black lace bettas have a dark blackish-blue coloration with a subtle lace-like pattern on their scales. However, their coloring rarely approaches the same intense, jet black of melano black bettas. Most black lace bettas display a slightly mottled or uneven coloring with hints of iridescent blue, green and purple coming through.
The signature look of the black lace betta is the delicate lacy pattern on their scales, which resembles black lace fabric. Their scales have a darker outlining that contrasts against the base body color. This gives them a very refined and ornamental appearance. When viewed under light, you can see their shining scales glittering through the darker overlay.
While stunning in their own right, black lace bettas are generally less rare and valued than black melano bettas due to their lighter body coloration. However, their elegantly decorated scaling still makes black lace bettas a beautiful addition to any collection.
Black Orchid Bettas
Black orchid bettas get their name from their stunning dark body color contrasted with bright blue or red fins. The black orchid was first recognized as a separate variety in 2003. While the body is a deep, inky black, the fins exhibit an iridescent sheen ranging from royal blue to bright red.
The blue and red hues are caused by iridophores in the fins reflecting light. When viewed from different angles, the fins can shift between shades of violet, turquoise, and ruby red. This shimmering effect makes black orchids stand out in any aquarium.
While the fins are the main attraction, black orchid bettas have solid black scaling that extends partially onto the head. The eyes are also black or very dark brown. Altogether, the dramatic fins against the inky black body make for a visually striking fish.
In terms of genetics, black orchid bettas carry the Dense gene that results in excessive black pigment covering the body. They are one of the darkest black varieties. The bright fin colors come from a separate iridescent gene.
Black Devil Bettas
Black devil bettas are a striking variety known for their deep, shimmery black coloration and piercing red eyes. They have a marble-like pattern, with black taking over most of the body and fins, and red washing showing through on the fins and head.
The black devil betta was selectively bred by increasing the red wash on already dark betta specimens. This intensified the black base color while allowing the red to come through, creating a beautiful and sinister look.
While regular black bettas exhibit iridescent scales that shine green and blue, the black devil betta’s dark body has a multi-colored sheen, like an oil slick. Their fins may also take on a dark reddish hue.
Their bright ruby-colored eyes seem to glow and stand out dramatically from their predominantly black faces. It gives them an intense appearance, like they are staring into your soul!
Black devil bettas have similar care needs as other betta varieties, though their darker colors make them prone to fading. Maintaining water quality and providing high quality foods helps preserve their exotic colors.
Their unique genetics and challenging breeding adds value. Black devil bettas tend to cost $20-40 online or from specialty aquarium stores.
Copper Black Bettas
Copper black bettas get their striking black coloration from the presence of copper metallic genes. The copper gene acts as a layer over the body and fins, creating an intense black color. These bettas appear jet black, often with a green or purple iridescent shine under bright light.
According to research on betta genetics, the copper trait is due to a mutation in the ATP7A gene that causes excessive copper distribution across the fish’s tissues. This accounts for the metallic sheen of copper-based bettas.
While the copper gene is responsible for the black color, breeding two copper bettas does not guarantee black offspring. Copper crossed with other metallic lines like steel blue or green results in a complex mix of metallic colors in the fry. Experienced breeders carefully select pairings to intensify black traits over generations.
The copper black betta is prized for its elegantly dark appearance. Under bright light, flickers of green, purple and blue can be seen reflecting off their scales and fins. When viewed from above, these bettas look pitch black, living up to their namesake.
Super Black Bettas
Super black bettas are an intensely black variety that have been selectively bred to achieve their deep, jet black coloration. Unlike some other black betta varieties that carry blue or red wash, super blacks aim for pure black pigmentation throughout the body and fins.
According to the Thai breeders who developed them, super black bettas originated from crossing black melanos with black orchids and black lace bettas over multiple generations. This allowed intensification of black pigmentation while improving finnage quality.
The first super black betta fish were bred in 2011 by Thai enthusiasts who wanted to create the blackest possible betta through selective breeding. Their intense black color is the result of recessive bl alleles that restrict iridescent and metallic layers, producing a true black shade.
Today, super black bettas remain difficult to breed consistently. Their uniform black color demands careful pair selection and culling of offspring that don’t meet blackness standards. However, their dramatic appearance makes them highly coveted by betta collectors and breeders.
Black Galaxy Bettas
Black galaxy bettas are a stunning variety known for their jet black bodies accented with bright white dragon scales speckled throughout their fins and body.1 Their unique patterning results from heavy metallic iridescent scaling concentrated on certain areas of the fish against an otherwise black background.
The dragon scale gene causes thick metallic scales to overlap and concentrate in certain regions. When combined with black pigmentation, this creates a dazzling galaxy pattern as the concentrated scales appear brighter white or even blue-green against the black. The scales may form starburst or cloud-like markings on the fins and body.
Male black galaxy bettas exhibit longer fins for the most dramatic galaxy patterns. Females have shorter fins but still showcase the characteristic black and bright white coloration. Black galaxy bettas require the same care as other betta varieties – a 5 gallon heated and filtered tank with places to hide. Their bright colors make them stand out in any aquarium!
Black Star Bettas
Black star bettas are a rare variety known for their jet black body covered in distinctive small white spots. The spots can range in appearance from speckles to starbursts, leading to their “starry night” nickname. Unlike other black varieties that may fade or show irridescence, black stars maintain an inky opaque black coloration. Their dark body contrasts beautifully against the stark white spots.
The white spotting is caused by a nacreous gene that prevents melanin synthesis in those areas, according to betta breeding experts. The spots usually start appearing as the betta matures. An adult black star betta can have anywhere from little specks to large prominent spots covering their body and fins. No two patterns are exactly alike.
Black star bettas are challenging to breed due to their recessive genetics. Both parents must carry the nacreous and black genes to produce fry exhibiting the distinctive spotted pattern. When breeding, it’s recommended to select a black star female and black melano or black orchid male for best results.
The striking monochromatic palette of black star bettas has made them highly coveted by enthusiasts. While difficult to find for sale, they demand premium pricing upwards of $100-$150 per fish when available from reputable online breeders. Their beauty and rarity puts black star bettas in a class of their own.
Availability and Pricing of Black Betta Fish
Black betta fish are considered a rare and exotic variety, so finding them for sale can be a challenge compared to the brightly colored varieties commonly found in pet stores. However, here are some tips on where to buy black betta fish and typical costs:
Online specialty aquarium fish stores are the most reliable place to find black betta fish for sale. Popular sites include Thailand Bettas, Betta Fish For Sale, and Keep Fish Keeping. They source bettas from professional breeders in Thailand and Indonesia where black varieties are more common.
Local fish stores may occasionally have black bettas in stock, especially stores that focus on aquarium fish and plants. However, selection is limited compared to online stores. Big box pet stores almost never carry black betta fish.
Costs for black betta fish typically range from $20 to $50 depending on factors like age, fin and body form, quality of coloration, and rarity of the variety. For example, Solid Black Melano bettas are the most coveted and expensive, often $40-$50 each. Black orchids and black lace bettas cost around $25. Younger juvenile fish under 4 months old tend to be cheaper, around $15-20.
With patience and persistence, hobbyists can find gorgeous black betta fish for their aquarium at reasonable prices. Check back frequently with specialty online stores for new shipments arriving from quality breeders in Southeast Asia.
