Peaceful Betta

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment3–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Swim bladder disorder

The Peaceful or Crescent Betta (Betta imbellis) comes from Malaysia, southern Thailand and Sumatra and reaches about 5 to 6 cm. It is a wild species rather than a domesticated line, with short fins, a dark green-black body and a red-and-blue crescent on the caudal fin. Its name reflects a real difference: males are far less aggressive than Betta splendens and can be kept together in a large, heavily planted tank, and a pair can live together permanently. It needs 60 litres or more at 24-28C in soft to moderately hard water, pH 5.5 to 7.5, with dense planting, floating cover, leaf litter, very gentle flow and a tightly closed lid, since it jumps and needs warm humid air above the water. Feed small live and frozen foods, daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp and a quality micro pellet. It is a bubble nester rather than a mouthbrooder, and the male builds and tends the nest. It suits a quiet blackwater community with small rasboras and pygmy corys, and it should still not be housed with fin-nippers or with a splendens betta.

• How active is a Peaceful Betta?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Peaceful Betta need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Peaceful Betta need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Peaceful Betta a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Peaceful Betta live?

  3–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Peaceful Betta?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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