name: imbellis betta (betta imbellis)
max size: up to 2.5 inches
water parameters: pH 5.0-7.0, temperature 75-82°F, soft to moderately hard water; prefers slightly acidic, tannin-rich water
diet: carnivorous – thrives on high quality betta pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and small aquatic insects
temperament: generally peaceful compared to other betta species, although males can still become territorial toward one another; best kept individually, in compatible pairs, or carefully managed groups with plenty of hiding places
tank setup: heavily planted aquarium of at least 10 gallons with floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter, and plenty of hiding areas; gentle filtration, subdued lighting, and a tightly fitting lid are recommended; provide access to the water surface for breathing
compatibility: suitable with peaceful, small community fish such as rasboras, small tetras, kuhli loaches, and other non-aggressive species; avoid fin nippers, aggressive fish, and other betta species
behavior: spends much of its time exploring plants and shaded areas near the middle and upper levels of the aquarium; males display their colorful fins during courtship and territorial interactions and construct bubble nests for breeding
fun fact: betta imbellis is commonly known as the peaceful betta or crescent betta. Mature males develop beautiful metallic blue-green scales, deep red fins, and distinctive crescent-shaped red markings on their tails. Unlike the more aggressive betta splendens, imbellis is generally less confrontational, making it a fascinating wild-type betta for experienced aquarium keepers.
