Crescent Betta Betta imbellis
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Description
Crescent Betta Betta imbellis.
Crescent Betta (Betta imbellis), also known as the Peaceful Betta, is a striking wild-type cousin of the more common Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens). Native to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and Thailand, it is celebrated for its shimmering emerald and blue scales and its significantly more tolerant nature.
Species Overview.
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- Common Name: Crescent Betta, Peaceful Betta
- Scientific Name: Betta imbellis
- Origin: Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia
- Size: 5 – 6 cm (approx. 2 – 2.5 inches)
- Temperament: Generally peaceful; males can often coexist in larger, heavily planted tanks
Appearance.
The “Crescent” name refers to the distinctive bright red crescent on the edge of the caudal (tail) fin.
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- Colouration: Males display a dark brown to black body base covered in brilliant iridescent blue or green scales.
- Fins: Often features a red “droplet” shape on the lower anal fin and an absence of transverse bars on the tail.
- Dimorphism: Males are much more colourful; females are typically plain brown with subtle horizontal stress stripes.
Aquarium Care & Setup.
Water Parameters.
To keep Betta imbellis healthy, aim for conditions that mimic their natural stagnant pool habitats.
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- Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
- pH Level: 5.5 – 7.5 (Prefers slightly acidic)
- Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH (Soft to moderate)
- Nitrate: Keep levels low through regular maintenance; aim for below 50mg/L.
Tank Requirements.
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- Minimum Size: 40 litres for a pair or small group.
- Cover: A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are exceptional jumpers.
- Hardscape: Use dark sand, driftwood, and Indian Almond leaves (Catappa) to create a tannin-rich, “blackwater” environment.
- Plants: Floating species like Salvinia or Duckweed are vital for shade and supporting bubble nests.
Diet.
They are primarily insectivores. Offer a varied diet to maintain their vibrant iridescence:
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- Live/Frozen Foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae.
- Dry Foods: High-quality Betta-specific pellets or crushed flakes (though some wild specimens may take time to adapt).
Social Behaviour.
Unlike B. splendens, B. imbellis can often be kept in pairs or small groups (one male with several females) provided the tank is large and dense with hiding spots.
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- Tank Mates: Compatible with other peaceful, small fish like Pygmy Corydoras, Harlequin Rasboras, or Kuhli Loaches.
- Avoid: Large, aggressive fish or fin-nippers like Tiger Barbs.
Breeding.
Betta imbellis are bubble-nest builders.
- Preparation: Condition the pair with live foods like brine shrimp.
- Nesting: The male will build a nest of mucus-coated bubbles under a floating leaf.
- Spawning: The male wraps around the female, fertilising the eggs as they fall; he then carries them into the nest.
- Fry Care: Fry hatch in 24–48 hours. Feed infusoria or vinegar eels initially, followed by baby brine shrimp.
Convenient nationwide delivery; you’re only a click away!
Our nationwide delivery service makes it easy to receive your fish directly at your door, anywhere in the UK, for a flat rate of just £30. This convenient service allows you to order up to 10kg of fish, with the assurance that they will arrive in excellent condition. To make the fishes journey as comfortable as possible we use Oxygen in the fish bags and heat packs in all the boxes of fish we send out.
For your peace of mind we enclose a slip which will explain what to do in the event of a fish not traveling too well.
We use a licensed courier to deliver your fish directly to you door and will be with you by 1pm the next day.
Our delivery days are as follows:
Tuesday for Wednesday delivery
Wednesday for Thursday delivery
Thursday for Friday delivery
Please put your desired delivery day in the Order Notes on the Checkout page.
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