The Most Peaceful Betta Fish

Betta fish has over 70 different varieties of breeds, each having its own sets of characteristic features. We all know that betta splendens, the most common species of betta fish, are highly territorial and aggressive. However, there are other more peaceful betta fish like Betta Imbellis.

Betta imbellis is commonly referred to as the peaceful betta, and the reason behind it is pretty evident. They are called so because of their relatively peaceful nature towards other fish in the tank. Thus, unlike your average betta fish, betta imbellis is not that hostile towards other fish and can be kept in community tanks as long as the tank conditions are just right. However, they may get aggressive if the parameters are not right or the tank is not big enough.

About The Peaceful Betta Imbellis

Firstly, let us discuss in detail the peaceful betta fish and its origin. Then we may move on towards highlighting the various aspects to consider while keeping a betta fish.

Origin

In the wild, betta imbellis or peaceful betta or crescent betta is generally found in the Southeast Asian regions of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Their habitat comprises shallow water pools and marshes where the water was stagnant.

Appearance

Betta imbellis or the peaceful betta is undoubtedly one of the most attractive betta fish out there. They are pretty easy to identify. They show iridescent green-blue coloration on their bodies and a red crescent pattern on their tail fin. They are also one of the tiniest betta breeds and can grow up to 2 inches in length.

Like all betta fish, male betta imbellis are more brightly colored than female ones. One can easily distinguish between a male peaceful betta fish and a female betta imbellis by looking at the body color. Female betta imbellis tend to be browner in color, while males are relatively more blackish.

Labyrinth Organ

The thing that makes betta fish the unique aquarium fish in the market is its ability to breathe atmospheric air quickly. Thus, it may come as a shock to you, but betta fish can breathe air. Well, how are betta fish able to do so?

The answer is labyrinth organ. Betta fish, using this labyrinth organ, can survive for quite some time outside water. You may also have noticed your betta fish occasionally visiting the water surface and gasp for air. This showcases the working of the labyrinth organ. Betta imbellis also have a labyrinth organ to breathe atmospheric air briefly.

Price

Depending on the color and pattern, a betta imbellis can cost you anything between $10 and $20. However, some rare color combinations may cost you more than $60.

Taking Care Of The Peaceful Betta Fish

Tank Conditions

The type of environment you provide for your betta fish corresponds directly to the health and well-being of your betta fish. Tank size is perhaps the most critical aspect of choosing a tank. The general norm is to provide at least 1 gallon of water per inch of the fish.

Therefore, a peaceful betta imbellis will need a tank of at least 3 gallons. However, if you plan to keep other fish with your betta fish, then a bigger tank is recommended. Similarly, if you are thinking about keeping a pair of betta imbellis in one tank, make sure to provide enough space for both the bettas.

Betta imbellis are fond of dark areas with a lot of plantations. Thus, you may consider adding live aquatic plants to your tank along with some leaf litter for some beneficial tannins to make the tank darker. To provide a sturdy plantation, you must first provide a sturdy substrate for your tank.

Generally, a sand-based or gravel-based tank substrate is recommended. You may also add other tank decors like caves and driftwood to provide your betta fish with enough hiding spots within the tank. You should also make sure that these tank objects do not have sharp edges that may damage the delicate betta fins.

Water Parameters

Water parameters need to be at the optimum level for the betta fish to be stress-free. Thus, water temperature, water pH level, ammonia and chlorine levels, and water hardness must all be considered while setting up a tank for your betta fish.

Betta imbellis require a water temperature between 74 degrees and 82 degrees F. Thus. They prefer warmer water. They also require almost neutral conditions with a water pH level of 6 to 7.5. The ammonia, nitrates, chlorine, and chloramine levels must be near zero.

Regular and periodical water changes are necessary to keep up the water quality in the tank. It is recommended that you use regular tap water and then condition it to suit your betta’s needs. You should keep a check on these water parameters daily.

Dietary Requirements for Peaceful Betta Fish

Like all other betta fish, betta imbellis is also a carnivore by nature. They require a high protein diet and have a lot of meaty components. An ideal betta diet consists of quality betta flakes, betta pellets, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

While you should feed only about 3 to 4 pellets only once or twice per day to your betta fish, live foods like daphnia and bloodworms must be fed in moderation and should be fed only about once a week as a special treat. Betta fish are highly susceptible to being overfed. Thus, look out for that.

FAQs On Peaceful Betta

Final Thoughts

Betta imbellis is one of the most peaceful betta fish among the betta community. Thus, they can be kept with other calm fish as well. As long as the tank is big enough and the water conditions are just right, you should not face any problems.