Female Betta (Betta splendens), Tank-Bred

Bettas are extremely popular because of their jewel-tone colors, their long and elaborate fins, and their charming personalities.  They are usually placed in small aquariums (but not too small - 2 gallons or more is ideal for one Betta), and are often used as a colorful decoration for various rooms in the house.  Different types of Bettas have different tail shapes; the most commonly found shape is the "veil tail," but other shapes include "double tail," "crown tail," "half-moon," and "short-finned fighting-style tail."

Unlike their male counterparts, female Bettas are peaceful and can be placed in community tanks.  They do not tend to fight each other and may even school with each other - behavior you will never find in a male Betta!  Females will get along fine with most other types of fish, as long as those fish aren't aggressive.  They have also been known to co-exist peacefully with snails, loaches, tetras, plecos, and African dwarf frogs.  There have been success stories of Bettas living with shrimp, but it's definitely not a guarantee and we cannot recommend keeping them together.

Otherwise, female Bettas are very easy to care for and thus are considered a great fish for beginners.