Betta smaragdina

Gill-cover scales shine green against a light brown body.

Gill-cover scales shine green against a light brown body. The tail has crossbars rather than the red crescent margin seen in B. imbellis, and the anal-fin tip is not red.

Adult length: Up to 6 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness: 1–10 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits still or sluggish rice fields, swamps, ditches, streams and ponds, often with plant cover over leaves, mud or sand.

Wild populations vary in the balance of red and green markings. Hybrids and selected strains also occur in trade; their traits are not natural species characteristics.

View comparison →

Social behaviour and territory

Several males may be kept with ample cover; use a single pair for breeding. 45×30 cm suits a pair.

Diet and feeding

Try suitably sized dry food, alternating with live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and brine shrimp. Feed small portions and avoid overfeeding.

Sources