6 Cheapest Betta Fish to Keep as Pets

Caring for any pet fish will cost you money, but bettas are one of the more affordable options to keep. Betta fish can be found in nearly every pet store and are sold as beginner-friendly pets. Compared to other fish, bettas are considered affordable because they do not require large tank setups or dozens of supplies. Plus, they are incredibly popular fish that sell well and are not difficult to breed or maintain.

There are numerous varieties of betta fish, but some are considered cheaper than others. This article reviews the six cheapest betta fish you can keep as pets based on their rarity, color, sex, and fin shape.  

How Much Does a Betta Fish Cost?

The price of a betta fish can vary depending on their rarity, but you can expect to spend between $5 to $30 for one. However, some betta fish on sale can cost as little as $3.

It is not necessarily the betta fish itself that costs a lot of money, but rather the supplies and maintenance needed to care for them. Keep in mind that housing bettas in unfiltered and unheated bowls or vases is an outdated practice, and proper betta fish care costs money.

Betta fish require spacious tanks equipped with a filter and heater to thrive, which can bring the initial costs over $100. Other than the initial costs of supplies, betta fish have monthly costs like water treatments and high-quality diets.

The 6 Cheapest Betta Fish

Let’s take a look below at the six cheapest betta fish you can keep.

1. Veiltail Betta Fish

The cheapest betta fish on our list is a veiltail, which happens to be the most commonly sold variety in pet stores. They were the first long-finned betta fish to be recorded and have a distinctive caudal fin. Veiltail bettas are named after their long, drooping fins that flow behind them as they swim These bettas are found in magnificent colors, such as red, blue, opal, and gold. They have a standard size of 2 to 3 inches long, although their long fins can make them appear larger.

Since veiltail bettas are created by a dominant gene, they are easier to breed than other varieties. The veiltail bettas’ popularity, ease of breeding, and wide availability are what makes them one of the cheapest betta fish in the world. Furthermore, veiltail bettas do not require any special care or supplies than any other betta fish does.

2. Plakat Betta Fish

The plakat betta is a short-finned variety that closely resembles the wild Betta splendens. They are agile swimmers who do not have any long fins to weigh them down or put them at risk of tearing. Plakat bettas are commonly found in pet stores or directly from breeds, and only cost a few dollars. Like most bettas, they are available in an assortment of colors and patterns.

Thanks to the plakat bettas’ short fins, they have little difficulty getting around a tank. They do not take frequent rests like long-finned bettas, so they usually do not need many flat surfaces or plants in their tank.

3. Female Betta Fish

Female bettas are usually cheaper compared to the males because of their shorter fins, smaller bodies, and fewer color forms. However, female bettas are still found in a range of intense colors that make them stand out in aquariums. The average female betta fish costs between $5 to $25 depending on their coloration, which is slightly cheaper than most males.

There is little difference between male and female betta fish care, aside from female bettas requiring slightly larger tanks. This is because female bettas can easily swim without the weight of heavy fins – a common problem for most male bettas.

An eight to 10-gallon rectangular fish tank is often recommended for female bettas, but a larger tank is always preferred. As with the males, you will need to keep your female bettas tank filtered and heated. Female betta fish care is pretty straightforward, and a healthy diet and good water quality can keep them happy.

4. Halfmoon Betta Fish

Halfmoon bettas are a popular variety recognized for their long fins with a classic half-moon shape. They are one of the more common long-finned betta fish available as pets and cost little to purchase and care for.

The anal and dorsal fins of halfmoon bettas are long and look spectacular as they swim. However, their most prominent feature is their caudal fins which fan out 180 degrees or more depending on their genes. They do not cost much, as most color forms of halfmoon bettas cost between $5 to $20.

5. Blue Betta Fish

Bettas can be found in many different colors, but blue is the most common and therefore cheaper color form. The shade and intensity of the blue can vary, as either a vibrant royal, turquoise, or steel blue. It is normal for blue bettas to have a slightly darker face than the rest of their body. However, royal blue with a navy head is more common.

Steel blue bettas are slightly rarer and generally cost more, especially if you get them from a breeder. Both male and female bettas are available in blue, regardless of their fin shape.

6. Red Betta Fish

Red is another common color seen in pet store betta fish and a favorite amongst hobbyists. Bettas with the red (R) gene are called extended reds and the color spreads throughout their entire body. The vividness of the red coloration varies and sometimes fades over time due to the red loss trait. Bettas can also have a predominantly red body with other colors mixed in, such as blue. Red bettas are not limited to one fin type and can be found in all fin shapes and sizes.

Summary of the 6 Cheapest Betta Fish To Keep as Pets