Peaceful Betta (Betta imbellis) Care Guide

A wild-type betta species far less aggressive than Betta splendens, allowing it to be kept in pairs or small groups.

Overview

Betta imbellis is a species in the family Osphronemidae. A wild-type betta species far less aggressive than Betta splendens, allowing it to be kept in pairs or small groups. Males display iridescent blue-green scales on a dark body with red crescent markings on the tail fin.

Taxonomy

Family: Osphronemidae
Genus: Betta
Scientific name: Betta imbellis
Other names: Crescent Betta, Betta Imbellis
Origin: Southeast Asia, Thailand, Malaysia

Habitat

Native to the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and southern Thailand. Inhabits shallow, still and slow-moving waters such as ditches, swamps and rice paddies with dense vegetation. A bubble-nesting labyrinth fish considerably less aggressive than the domesticated Betta splendens.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 4-6 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: top
Compatible tank mates: Neon Tetra, Corydoras, Harlequin Rasbora, Cherry Shrimp
Avoid with: Betta Splendens, Aggressive Gouramis, Fin Nippers

Breeding

Breeding strategy: bubble-nester
Breeding difficulty: intermediate