Peaceful betta - Betta imbellis

Scientific name: Betta imbellis

Common name: Peaceful betta

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 6 - 7 cm (2.36 - 2.76 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 20°N (107.14 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 29 °C (75.2 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Top levels

Origin

The Peaceful Betta (Betta imbellis) is native to Malaysia and surrounding regions in Southeast Asia. It inhabits slow-moving freshwater environments such as swamps, rice paddies, peat bogs, and shallow streams with dense vegetation and leaf litter.

Lifespan

With proper care, the expected lifespan of Betta imbellis is approximately 3-5 years. Maintaining excellent water quality, a well-balanced diet, and a stress-free environment can help extend their lifespan.

Short Description

Unlike its more aggressive cousin, the Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens), the Peaceful Betta is far more sociable and can be kept in community tanks with the right tank mates. However, males may still show territorial behavior, particularly during breeding. They thrive in planted tanks with calm waters and benefit from the presence of floating plants to mimic their natural habitat.

Betta imbellis is known for its vibrant iridescent colors, with shades of blue, green, and red shimmering across its body. Males display more vivid colors and elongated fins, while females tend to have shorter fins and a more subdued brownish hue.

Food and Feeding

The Peaceful Betta is a carnivorous species that requires a high-protein diet. While they will accept some commercial foods, they thrive on a diet rich in live or frozen foods.

Staple Diet: High-quality micro pellets or betta-specific flake food.
Live/Frozen Foods: Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, mysis shrimp, and tubifex worms.
Vegetable Matter (Occasional): Blanched spinach or spirulina flakes.

To maintain their health and enhance their coloration, feed them small portions 2-3 times daily and avoid overfeeding.

Sexing

Distinguishing between male and female Betta imbellis is relatively simple:

Males: More vivid coloration, with striking blue and green iridescence. They also have longer, flowing fins and a more streamlined body.
Females: Generally less colorful, appearing in shades of brown or dull green. Their fins are shorter and rounder, and they tend to have a fuller belly, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding

Betta imbellis is a bubble nest builder, with males taking full responsibility for nest-building and fry care. To encourage breeding:

Provide a separate breeding tank with a water temperature of 26-28°C (78-82°F).
Add floating plants like Salvinia or Amazon Frogbit to help stabilize the bubble nest.
Use subdued lighting and keep the water flow minimal to avoid disturbing the nest.

The male constructs a bubble nest at the surface and courts the female. During spawning, the female releases eggs, which the male fertilizes and carefully places into the nest. The female should be removed post-spawning, as the male will aggressively guard the eggs and fry.

The eggs hatch within 24-36 hours, and the fry become free-swimming after 3-5 days. At this stage, feed them Infusoria or finely powdered food, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow.

Tank Setup and Behavior

Peaceful Bettas prefer low-flow aquariums with plenty of hiding places and soft, acidic water. A well-planted tank replicates their natural environment and reduces stress.

Tank Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (~38 liters) for a small group.
Water Temperature: 24-29°C (75-84°F)
pH Level: 6.0 - 7.3
Hardness: 6-20 dGH
Filtration: Use a sponge filter or a gentle flow filter to avoid strong currents.