Edit Betta smaragdina
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Name
Scientific name
Betta smaragdina
Described by
Authority Ladiges, Year 1972
Family
Osphronemidae
Common names
Emerald Betta
Photograph credits
All 7 credited
Summary
The emerald betta, Betta smaragdina, is a bubble-nesting labyrinth fish from the Khorat Plateau in eastern Thailand and Mekong tributaries …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
60mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 45 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5
Hardness
1–10dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Species tank only
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Laos, Thailand, Chi, Loei, Mekong, Mun, Songkhram
Writing
Etymology
Betta: from ikan betah, the vernacular Malay for species of this genus. smaragdina: from the Latin smaragdinus, meaning 'emerald-coloured'.
Distribution
Native to the Khorat Plateau in eastern Thailand, a saucer-shaped upland region enclosed by the Mekong River main channel to the north and eastthat. The platea…
Habitat
Inhabits still and sluggish waters, including rice paddies, swamps, roadside ditches, streams and ponds. These are often shaded by submerged, surface or margin…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measurements of 45 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent is large enough for a pair.
Maintenance
This species fares best in a well-planted, shady aquarium with plenty of surface cover in the form of tall stem plants, floating types such as Salvinia or Ricc…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Likely to prey on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in nature. Captive fish will normally accept dried products once they are recognised as edible, but sho…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not recommended for the standard community aquarium. Its care requirements and disposition mean it is best kept alone or with very peaceful species. Some small…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are more colourful than females and develop extended fins as they mature.
Reproduction
Bubble nester. It is particularly important to provide plenty of cover for the female, and empty camera film canisters or lengths of plastic tubing can be used…
Notes
This species has been extensively line-bred for aggression in eastern Thailand, where it is used in organised bouts in the same way as B. splendens elsewhere. …
References
References
7 on this profile