Species profile
Betta Imbellis
Betta imbellis
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Top
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A secure lid and warm humid air gap protect the labyrinth organ. 'Imbellis' does not mean males can simply be crowded together.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
1–10 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Wild-type bubble-nesting Betta. Less combative than many domestic splendens strains but males remain territorial; dense cover and escape routes are essential.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Betta imbellis
Alternative names
Crescent Betta, Peaceful Betta (historic common usage)
Native range
Malay Peninsula and northern Sumatra.
Natural habitat
Still and sluggish swamps, rice fields, ditches and vegetated lowland waters with dense surface cover.
Diet & feeding
Small insects, insect larvae and zooplankton; use quality floating/micro foods with regular live/frozen invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are more intensely iridescent with larger fins; females are plainer, shorter-finned and fuller when gravid.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. The male builds and guards a surface nest, tending eggs and larvae until fry become free swimming.