Emerald Betta

Betta smaragdina is found in rice paddies and slow streams of northeast Thailand and Laos, where it navigates dense aquatic vegetation. Males display vivid emerald iridescence with red and blue fin margins during courtship and rival displays. Like all bettas, it breathes atmospheric air via its labyrinth organ.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard. Tank: 40L minimum, tight lid, planted with emergent stems and floating plants. Feeding: Live/frozen invertebrates preferred; high-protein micro-pellets accepted. Behaviour: Males fight; keep singly or as a single pair. Compatibility: Peaceful with dissimilar community fish; do not mix male bettas.