Species profile
Betta Smaragdina
Betta smaragdina
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
5–7 cm adult size
Top
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Keep locality-labelled wild strains pure where possible; the splendens complex hybridises readily in captivity.
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
Territorial wild Betta of the splendens complex. A pair or carefully structured group needs dense plants, leaf litter and broken sight-lines.
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 smaragdina
Alternative names
Emerald Betta, Mekong Fighting Fish
Native range
Mekong basin of Thailand and Laos, especially the Khorat Plateau.
Natural habitat
Still or very slow waters including rice fields, swamps, pools and ditches with heavy marginal and surface vegetation.
Diet & feeding
Small insects, larvae and zooplankton; feed varied live/frozen microfoods and quality prepared Betta foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males show much stronger green/blue iridescence and larger fins; females are plainer and shorter-finned.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner; the male builds and guards the nest and tends eggs/larvae until free swimming.