Veiltail Betta
Betta splendens
About this strain
The Veiltail is what most people picture when they think 'betta' — long, asymmetrical caudal fin that droops and flows downward in a sweeping arc, with similarly elongated dorsal and anal fins. Coloration varies wildly since this is the oldest and most commercially bred fin type. Easy to find and inexpensive, but quality varies enormously; avoid fish with clamped or frayed fins at the store. Males can be prone to fin-biting if kept in barren tanks. Despite being considered 'common,' a healthy, fully-opened Veiltail in peak color is genuinely striking. A great beginner betta.
Origin
The Veiltail emerged from decades of selective breeding in Southeast Asia and became the dominant commercial form in Western pet stores by the mid-20th century. No single breeder is credited; it was essentially standardized through mass market demand.