Betta smaragdina is another name given to the emerald betta, blue betta, or the Mekong fighting fish. With its distinct color combination compared to other betta fish, it has become increasingly popular. The particular fish type comes in countless pigment variations.
Betta smaragdina has derived its name from the Latin word smaragdinus, which roughly translated becomes emerald-colored. The particular fish is naturally inhabited in the region of Thailand. However, increased human intervention into their habitats has become uncommon to find them naturally, swimming around Nong Khai, Thailand. If you want to pet one smaragdina, you must know in and out about them and their maintenance. Hence, we have designed a guide toward smaragdina today.
About Smaragdina Varient of Betta
It is known as the emerald, blue or green betta as well. The particular species is uniquely colored. It has an opalescent, shimmering exterior that covers all the way to its fins. This exterior is generally either blue or green or both. This exterior is mandatory for them. Their main body is majorly red, orange, blue, or green.
They can grow up to 50-60 millimeters in length. Their fins are relatively smaller than other betta fish species that exist. Their fins are striped as well. Like all other betta fish, one might find the male smaragdina to have glare in their colors. At the same time, female bettas lack enthusiasm and are dull in color.
Like every other betta fish, they are aggressive in nature too. It is best to keep them in isolated tanks than with tank members. They are born to fight naturally. So, with other bettas in the tank, male or female, they feel threatened. Even if you try keeping a calm tank mate, there is a chance that betta will attack it or eat it.
In fact, for breeding purposes also, it is better to keep the female and male smaragdina in a separate tank. The female betta becomes even paler during her mating period. Even after the heads up, you decide to keep a tank, mate. We recommend purchasing a 10-gallon tank minimum.
Smaragdina, when mated with the common betta naturally or by breeders, has resulted in genetically abnormal betta offsprings. Hence any such breeding would not be successful. Ensure to provide a warm and humid habitat.
This next section provides other specifics vital for a smaragdina to have a healthy and long life.
Betta Smaragdina: A Complete Guide
Although betta fish are low maintenance, if not taken care of properly, you might reduce their life span. Hence, we have discussed a few tank parameters to note before you pet a betta smaragdina.
Tank Requirements
A betta smaragdina requires no bowl, it requires a minimum of 10-gallon tank with enough decorations and space to swim in. If you are thinking of introducing a few other fish, we recommend do not opt for any tank less than 30 gallons. Make sure that you have proper filtration and ventilation in the tank.
Betta smaragdina, since it is a tropical and wild fish, has a unique set of organs to help them breathe. Therefore, they stay on the surface level. Hence, try purchasing a tank that is wide and shallow and not long and deep. Use sand or gravel as a substrate in the tank. It will help replicate a betta smaragdina’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Along with the tank, make sure you introduce enough decorations in the tank for your betta. Like its natural habitat, Betta smaragdina likes to stay in a slightly dark place. Therefore, install enough plants, shrubs, décor like logs, rings, aquarium toys, and objects for the betta to feel safe. They tend to hide behind these objects while sleeping or mating. But be certain enough lights are there too, to make betta enthusiastic and active.
Water Conditions
The appropriate water conditions for any betta fish start with filtration. We suggest installing a good filter and cleaning the water 15-20% once a week. Since betta smaragdina are small and light-weighted, it is recommended to use sponge filters. Certify that the pH of the water is between 5.5 to 7.5.
The soft and gentle flow of sponge filters ensures that betta smaragdina does not get swayed away due to the filter’s current. Usually, betta likes to stay in warm water temperatures. Hence, install a heater to ensure that the water temperatures range between 70F to 80F.
Dietary Requirements
Betta smaragdina are inclined to eat freshwater and terrestrial creatures in the wild. They feed tiny bugs, invertebrate eggs, and sea urchins and scavenge the seabed for plant waste. They will feed anytime they can live in the wilderness of the ocean. But in confinement, they should be served once or twice per day.
As a pet, Betta smaragdina should be fed a lot of protein in their diet. Betta smaragdinas will eat pellets and flake foods, although they should be fed refrigerated or live meals like bloodworms, aquatic plants, or artemia for their wellbeing.
Betta Smaragdina Vs Betta Imbellis
Since there are so many betta fish subspecies, one might get confused among a few. A confusion between Betta Smaragdina and betta imbellis is widespread.
| Basis | Betta Smaragdina | Betta Imbellis |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaragdina tend to be larger in body size compared to imbellis | Relative to smaragdina, the body size of the imbellis is smaller. |
| Dimensions of unpaired fins | Relative to imbellis, it has more excellent dimensions. | In contrast to smaragdina the fin dimesnions are small. |
| Tail | It is generally blue and red in color with dots | They are red and blue in color for imbellis too but without dots. |
| Exterior Gills | The gills are generally scaled in green. | Greenish blue straight striped gills |
FAQs on Betta Smaragdina
What is the life span of a betta smaragdina?
If all the tank parameters are met, a betta smaragdina in confinement as a pet can survive for 3 to 5 years.
Are betta smaragdina peaceful?
This particular betta species is quite less aggressive and more harmonious in nature compared to other betta species. Nevertheless, a crowded tank will portray their in-build aggression.
What is betta smaragdina price?
The particular betta is slightly more expensive than most other betta species. They cost anything in the range of $50-$100.
Where can I find betta smaragdina for sale?
You can look for any pet stores nearby for a Betta smaragdina. If you do not have a pet store near you can always find a betta smaragdina online.
Final Thoughts
You provide your betta smaragdina with the healthy and long life it deserves with the appropriate tank conditions. Having a betta smaragdina can be a handy fish to pet, but it is low maintenance and perfect for beginners. The tank conditions, water parameters, and dietary needs are primary and easy to follow.
