Betta Imbellis

In the Wild

Date Classified:

1975

Native Location:

Northeastern Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, Penang Island and Phuket and Ko Samui islands off of Thailand

Environment:

  • Ditches
  • Swamps
  • Pig wallows
  • Flooded waterways
  • Canals

Food:

  • Various live insects
  • Larvae
  • Other live foods indigenous to that area

Water and Hardness:

Calcium-magnesium 5-20

Water Temperature:

74-93 degrees Fahrenheit

Water pH:

5.5 to 7.0

In Aquaria:

Physical Appearance:

Same as in their natural habitat

  • Blue-black
  • Females are not as vibrant with more brownish hues
  • Gill covers have two blue or green bars

Finnage:

  • Red pelvic fins
  • Males’ dorsal, caudal and anal fins are longer than females
  • Both genders have shorter fins than most other Bettas
  • Red anal fin
  • Tail fin has thin, black band

Size:

2 inches

Feeding in Captivity:

Live and frozen as well as commercial flakes and dried food

Water and Hardness:

Tolerates various water conditions but enjoys a calcium-magnesium hardness

Water Temperature:

78-80 degrees Fahrenheit

Water pH:

6.5 to 7

Breeding:

Will spawn in a community tank under decorations or plants. Use a 10-gallon or larger tank filled only with 6 inches of 50 % RO (reverse osmosis) water and 50% tap water. Up to 500 eggs will be released.

Note: Betta Imbellis is one of the more peaceful species of Betta and is perfect if you desire an aquarium with many types of fish.