Rainbow Betta Fish (Breed) – Overview, care, breeding and more

Hi there!, I have been keeping fish since my childhood almost 15+ years. I started the hobby with guppies and mollies, but eventually, I became interested in Betta splendens and cichlids. I adore betta fish and flowerhorns to the moon and back. Breeding and grooming them was my favourite part of the journey.

The craze for the Rainbow Betta never ends. Their beautiful colors create a calm storm in our hearts-whenever we see them. Many people often ask me about the Rainbow Betta in my DMs, so I thought of posting about it. I also planned to start a new series on our blog called “All Things You Need to Know About _____ Betta Fish,” and this is the first post in the series. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

In this post, I’ve covered:

  • What is a Rainbow Betta?
  • What things should be noted when choosing one?
  • Why is this variety more popular than others?
  • Basic care and breeding methods
  • Plus a few other details

Stay connected, and let’s get started now!

Multicolored betta fish with radiant rainbow hues

What is rainbow betta?

As the name suggests, rainbow bettas are known for their beautiful coloration. However, there’s no official breed called ‘rainbow bettas’; the term is mainly used as a trade name to market these fish. Back in the early 2010s, rainbow bettas were quite rare, with only a few breeders focusing on them specifically.

In my opinion, the real enthusiasm for rainbow bettas began around 2018, when more people showed interest in them. Unlike other bettas, rainbow bettas are identified solely by their unique color distribution, making it easy to distinguish them based on their colors alone.

Opinions vary on what defines a rainbow betta, but the primary criterion is its coloration. To be considered a rainbow betta, it should have a rainbow-like pattern, where the colors are distinct and well-separated, similar to watercolors. Typically, at least seven different colors should be present, although some people may accept six or fewer.

Rainbow betta fish displaying bright tail colors

Reasons Behind the Craze for the Rainbow Betta Breed:

As I mentioned, since around late 2018, varieties like Plakads, Nemo, and Candy have gradually gained attention. Meanwhile, rainbow bettas became popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, largely due to their vibrant colors and trending appeal. Another key factor in their rise is the growing interest from kids and beginners, who are drawn to the beauty of their rainbow coloration.

Close-up of a rainbow betta fish with vibrant multicolored body

Unlike other Plakat varieties like Nemo, Galaxy, or Avatar, the colors of rainbow bettas are spread across their entire body. In most Plakat varieties, the colors are concentrated on the scales, with each scale having distinct hues. One of the striking features of rainbow bettas is the vibrant coloration on both their body and face.

In my opinion, the term ‘rainbow betta’ is often used as a marketing tool to attract beginners to the aquarium hobby. I’ve personally seen many videos and pictures of them on my social media feed.

Rainbow bettas have also been bred in Plakat varieties. Most of these fish typically display around six to seven colors across their body and fins.

rainbow betta plakad

I’d like to share a personal experience here. A friend of mine had a rainbow-colored betta that displayed noticeable color changes over the span of four months, with the base color fading. This is common in other betta types too, but I thought it was worth mentioning. If you’re planning to purchase a rainbow betta, make sure it already shows its full-color potential.

Average price of rainbow betta:

Rainbow Betta typeAverage price
Halfmoon Rainbow betta25$
Plakad rainbow25$
Crowntail rainbow35$
dragon rainbow betta50+$ (rare)
purple rainbow betta60+$ (rare)
butterfly rainbow60+$ (rare)

Frequent color changes in rainbow bettas are quite common, and most people are already aware of this. The colors on their skin can shift due to various factors such as genetics, water conditions, care, and diet. Rainbow bettas may even show new colors after purchase, so it’s important to provide consistent care and maintain proper tank conditions.

rare Rainbow betta fish swimming with vibrant body and tail colors

Care:

The most important thing to remember is that proper care is essential for all types of bettas. Regular care and maintenance are key to ensuring a healthy, disease-free life for your fish.

When it comes to rainbow bettas, the care is similar to other varieties, but there are a few enrichment ideas you can try. Since these bettas are known for their vibrant colors, it’s important to keep them engaged. You can add a mirror or betta stickers to encourage flaring for 5 to 10 minutes daily, which may help enhance their coloration.

rainbow multi-color betta care in tank

Good lighting is also crucial for rainbow bettas. Since their color and beauty are the main attractions, proper lighting can significantly improve the overall setup and keep them looking their best.

Rainbow Betta Breeding:

Breeding bettas is fairly similar across all types, and we’ve already posted a detailed betta breeding tutorial. However, when breeding rainbow bettas with other types, it’s important to remember the potential aggressiveness between the male and female, regardless of their type. This applies to breeding rainbow betta pairs as well. Always try to select a smaller female betta for breeding because, as you may know, the process can become aggressive, often leading to tail cuts and body injuries. A smaller female may reduce the severity of these injuries.

If your female betta is also a rainbow betta, don’t worry too much. After breeding, you’ll be able to groom her back to health, and her tail and injuries should recover.

Just keep in mind the potential for injury, especially with male rainbow bettas, and take extra care during breeding.

rainbow multi-color betta care in tank

Other Rainbow colored betta varieties:

Final Thoughts:

Rainbow bettas are stunning and unique within the broad spectrum of betta fish, and they are relatively rare. There are various subtypes, such as the Dragon Rainbow Betta, Crowntail Rainbow Betta, and more. In this post, I’ve provided a detailed guide on identifying rainbow bettas, their price, care tips, breeding information, and more. I hope this post helps, whether you’re considering getting a rainbow betta or already have one.

Please share your experiences if you’ve raised rainbow bettas, and feel free to check out our other posts on different betta types. Until next time, see you in the next superpost. Bye for now—Thaha signing off!

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