Belongs to the Betta coccina species group but can be distinguished from the remaining species of this clade by having bright, greenish-colored flanks and unpaired fins (vs. body blackish without iridescent scales, or greenish iridescent scales restricted to the lateral blotch or the central parts of the flanks). Diagnosed from its geographic neighbor species Betta uberis by having 10-12 dorsal-fin rays (vs. 14-17 in B. uberis) (Ref. 93322).