Peaceful Betta

Betta imbellis inhabits slow, heavily vegetated blackwater streams in southern Thailand and Malaysia. Males display shimmering blue-green scales with red fin edging and, unlike domesticated bettas, tolerate similarly-sized peaceful tankmates. A tightly fitting lid is essential as all bettas are skilled jumpers.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft to moderately hard (2–10 GH), tannin-stained blackwater ideal. Tank: 40L minimum, lid essential, dense planting with floating leaves and leaf litter. Feeding: Carnivore — live or frozen mosquito larvae, daphnia, bloodworm; quality micro-pellets accepted. Behaviour: Males territorial with conspecific males; generally peaceful with other species. Compatibility: Avoid other male bettas; suitable with small tetras, rasboras, and corydoras.