fish · Osphronemidae
Emerald betta
Betta smaragdina
Wild range: Southeast Asia (Asia)
At a glance: Emerald betta care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Emerald betta?
The compiled profile lists 22.0–30.0 °C for Emerald betta (Betta smaragdina). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Emerald betta?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 7.9 US gallons (30.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Emerald betta?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 5.5–7.0. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Emerald Bettas are found in the tranquil waters of Laos and Thailand, particularly in rice paddies, ditches, swamps, and streams. These habitats are rich in submerged vegetation and may have low dissolved oxygen levels, offering a complex ecosystem that supports their natural behavior and breeding activities.
Where they are found
Native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins of northeastern Thailand and Laos. It lives in shallow, heavily vegetated still water such as swamps, ditches and rice fields.
Aquarium care
Keep emerald bettas in a covered, well-planted tank with floating plants and gentle filtration. Warm, soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water suits them. Keep conditions stable with regular partial water changes.
Feeding
Feed your Emerald Betta a diet of high-quality flakes, granules, and pellets, with occasional supplements of live or frozen foods like bloodworm and daphnia to promote vibrant coloration and health.
Compatibility
Males are territorial toward each other and toward similar-looking fish. Keep one male per tank, or a pair in a larger, well-planted aquarium. Calm, small tankmates that do not nip fins are suitable.
Breeding
Breeding Betta smaragdina is relatively straightforward. It involves placing the female in the tank with the male and ensuring there are proper nesting materials available. Water conditions should be consistent, and after spawning, it is advisable to remove the female once the eggs are visible. The fry should be fed appropriate food once they are free swimming.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.