Is Imbellis The Smallest Betta Breed?

If you are a betta fish enthusiast looking for the smallest betta breed, then betta imbellis is your answer. Betta imbellis is the breed name given. Imbellis when roughly translated, means peaceful in Latin. Hence betta imbellis is also known as peaceful betta because of its low aggression compared to other betta breeds.

Betta imbellis is the smallest betta breed because the male gender of the breed can grow a maximum of 2 inches long, while females are always marginally shorter. This cute, colorful, peaceful betta is generally found in South Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. They are often referred to as Crescent Betta by many pet store owners. Compared to other betta breeds, this smallest betta breed has only one thing different, its temper. Relatively it is extremely calm to other bettas. Other than that, they require almost similar tank requirements. Let us take a look into what it needs in confinement.

All About The Smallest Betta Breed

Betta Imbellis is characterized by blue-green scales, which are opalescent, all over its body. They can grow not more than two inches, making them the smallest betta breed. They have a distinct reddish-orange crescent tail end, giving them the name crescent betta fish.

The colors for the male counterparts are set in a more gaudy manner compared to the female betta imbellis, who are primarily dull in pigments. Nevertheless, their dull appearance gives the female betta imbellis an edge to survive and hide in the wild from other predators.

They have a unique set of organs called labyrinths to breathe in oxygen. They are surface breathers and hence require labyrinth organs to breathe air. Nonetheless, their lifespan is not much. In the wild, they do not survive for long. But if kept with the optimal tank parameters in confinement, betta imbellis can live up to 4 years.

How To Take Care Of The Smallest Betta Breed?

While they may seem different in size, colors, and temperament from all other betta fish breeds, they showcase similar traits when it comes to caregiving. The tank conditions required by betta imbellis, the smallest betta breed, are no different from other betta species.

Tank Requisites

Even though the smallest, one cannot compromise on the tank here. They require a minimum of a 10-gallon tank, which is shallow and not deep. You will need an aquarium with a minimum capacity of 15 gallons if you plan to keep a pair. In fact, for betta imbellis, it is preferable to keep a pair, or their instincts may force them to hide in the large tank.

As many florae as feasible should extend up to the edge of the water to encompass your aquarium. It gives them a sense of security, improves water clarity, and is beneficial to your microbiological and ecological balancing. Also, try installing as many toys and objects for your betta to play with and stay active.

When setting up a tank for the smallest betta breed, leaf litter and driftwood are wise options. As the leaf litter decomposes, it releases healthy tannins into the water, which are excellent for the wellbeing of the Betta Imbellis. One can also use java ferms, moss, logs, or floating plants in the tank.

Water Parameters

Frequent water replacements of roughly 25% every two weeks, or minor water modifications every week, are essential for Betta Imbellis, the smallest betta breed. Betta imbellis prefers water that is between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, the betta fish owner must install a heater to maintain a consistent temperature.

It is also vital to ensure that sufficient filtration is taking place. Utilize a sponge filter or one with a lower pressure to filter your water. Betta fish dislike fast-moving water. They get swayed away due to the current. Sometimes you may find your betta hanging out behind the filter. It is a clear indication to check the current flow rate.

Betta imbellis do perfectly great in minimal filtration systems as well, although a purifier for your plants is a good and hygienic touch. It will also help keep the pH between the range of 6.5-7. A proper filter system ensures low nitrate content, which could otherwise harm your betta detrimentally and cut short its short lifespan.

Dietary Needs

Supplying your betta with various diets can help them get the essential nutrients they need. Betta Imbellis feed on flies, larvae, and other organisms in their native surroundings. They will also feed on scattered leaf litter, but they choose a meat-based diet.

Pellets and flake meals are fine for them, but refrigerated or alive meals including daphnia, bloodworms, even brine shrimp should be added to their meals. Provide meat-based feeds, such as mosquito larvae and shrimp, and flakes and pellets. To avoid bloating, feed them no more than twice a day.

Tank Mates

You must understand that betta imbellis is a betta, after all. It has all the characteristics unique to betta fish and its aggression. It might have relatively low aggression to other betta species, but it still showcases hostility. Try choosing a calm tank mate like shrimps, catfish, tetras for a successful betta imbellis community tank.

Hence if you are thinking of introducing a tank mate into your tank with the smallest betta breed, be it for recreational purposes or breeding purposes, it is significant that you have a large tank with a minimum of 20-gallons along with that enough places for the fish to hide. Irrespective of what tank mate you choose, this is a necessity.

Betta Imbellis vs Betta Splendens:

Basis	Betta Imbellis	Betta Splendens
Tail	They have a crescent-shaped tail.	They have a loose, floppy tail.
Colors	Available in limited color options in black or brown	Available in unlimited color options
Length	They can grow up to 2 inches long	They are slightly longer than imbellis. They can grow up to 3 inches.
Temperament	They are relatively not short-tempered	They are highly aggressive and hostile.

Betta Imbellis vs Smaragdina:

Basis	Betta Smaragdina	Betta Imbellis
Colors	Available in blue, red, green, and orange color	Available in black and brown color
Temperament	Comparatively more hostile than imbellis	Comparatively less aggressive
Fins	Medium length fins	Round and small fins
Lifespan	If proper care is taken can extend up to 5 years.	It can live up to 4 years with proper care.

FAQs on Smallest Betta Breed:

Final Thoughts:

The smallest betta breed is betta imbellis, which we learned about, which is not much dissimilar to other betta species. They have certain unique traits, but when it comes to caregiving, they require the same conditions in tank, water quality, and dietary needs as other betta species.