Species Overview

Often referred to as the Peaceful Betta, Betta imbellis is one of the most fascinating members of the wild betta complex. Unlike the familiar Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta splendens), Betta imbellis is known for its remarkably peaceful disposition, allowing groups to be maintained together under the proper conditions. Their iridescent blue-green scales, deep crimson fins, and metallic highlights create a stunning display while preserving the natural beauty that has made wild bettas increasingly popular among aquarium enthusiasts.

The Betta imbellis offered by Aquatic Arts are available as both Tank Bred and USA Bred specimens. Both are raised entirely in captivity and readily adapt to aquarium life, making them excellent choices for hobbyists interested in keeping natural betta species. Tank-bred fish are produced by trusted professional breeders, while our USA Bred specimens are domestically bred within the United States.

One of the characteristics that makes Betta imbellis truly unique is their ability to live socially. Rather than requiring individual housing like most domesticated fighting fish, Betta imbellis can often be maintained in peaceful shoals when provided with sufficient aquarium space, abundant plant cover, broken lines of sight, and numerous territories. At Aquatic Arts, Betta imbellis are offered in shoals beginning with a 3-pack, allowing hobbyists to immediately begin establishing a natural social group.

Watching a group of Betta imbellis interact is unlike keeping almost any other betta species. Fish establish loose social hierarchies while peacefully exploring the aquarium, displaying to one another, and investigating every corner of their environment. In larger, heavily planted aquariums, compatible males and females frequently pair off naturally while remaining part of the larger social group. It is not uncommon for multiple pairs to establish separate territories and successfully reproduce within the same aquarium, provided ample space, dense vegetation, and visual barriers are available.

Whether you're building a Southeast Asian blackwater biotope, a heavily planted nature aquarium, or a peaceful species-focused display, Betta imbellis offers an incredible combination of intelligence, beauty, social behavior, and fascinating breeding interactions that few freshwater fish can match.

What We Love About This Fish

• Peaceful wild betta that can often be maintained in social shoals

• Brilliant iridescent blue, green, and crimson wild-type coloration

• Available as both Tank Bred and USA Bred specimens

• Naturally forms breeding pairs while remaining part of a larger social group in spacious aquariums

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Quick Care Guide

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore (Betta Pellets, Frozen Foods, Live Foods)

Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 Inches

Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons for a Shoal

Swimming Zone: Middle to Upper Water Column

Social Structure: Peaceful Shoals Starting at 3 Fish; Larger Groups Preferred with Adequate Space and Cover

Origin Options: Tank Bred or USA Bred

Approximate Purchase Size: 1–1.5 Inches

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Tank Parameters

Temperature: 76°–82°F (24°–28°C)

pH: 5.5–7.5

General Hardness (GH): 2–10 dGH (35–180 ppm)

Carbonate Hardness (KH): 1–5 dKH

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 50–180 ppm

Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 Gallons for a Shoal

Social Structure: Peaceful Shoals Starting at 3 Fish

Swimming Zone: Middle to Upper Water Column

Water Flow: Low

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate