Bettas use their fins not only to move through the water, but also to steer and to maintain their balance. The fins are composed of long rays with skin stretched thinly between them. Special muscles attached to the rays provide control. Your Betta’s fins include one caudal fin, one dorsal fin, two pelvic fins, one anal fin, and two pectoral fins.
The caudal or tail fin, combined with the muscular tail stalk, provides the force for sudden forward bursts of speed and for fast swimming. In fancy Bettas, such as the splendens varieties, the lengthening of the natural caudal fin through artificial selection (breeding for a specific trait) has resulted in a slower-moving species than its native relative.
The sole purpose of the dorsal fin (located on the upper back region) and the anal fin (on the bottom) is to give the Betta stability, in the same way the tail assembly on an airplane keeps it stable. These fins keep your Betta in an upright position and prevent it from literally rolling over in the water.
Pectoral fins also provide stability while moving through the water and help the fish steer. Located near the bottom of the fish, directly beneath the gill openings, the pectoral fins can also be used by the male Betta to fan its incubating eggs, bathing them with fresh water to eliminate wastes and debris.
Pelvic fins are located on the hip area and also aid in stabilization and steering.
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