Betta Smaragdina | Rare Bettas

September 3rd 2025, CURRENTLY UNDER QUARANTINE 

SHIPPING BEGINS ON THE 10th!

IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (Not enough information at this time)

From the Betta Splendens Complex.

Quality Betta Smaragdina bred from a breeder in Vietnam. These fish originate from the Khorat Plateau in Thailand which is a harsher environment than other splendens, as such these fish are very hardy and great for beginners since they can tolerate low temperature. This is the natural wildtype color variation so they will me metallic green with blue iridescence. Smaragdina can be identified from their snakescale like pattern on the face

Physical Characteristics

• Body Shape: Slender and elongated, typical of the Betta splendens complex, with a slightly compressed body. Reaches a maximum standard length of about 2.8 inches (7 cm), well-suited for navigating dense aquatic environments.

• Tail Shape: Rounded or slightly crescent-shaped caudal fin, shorter and less ornate than Betta splendens. Often features a red distal band with faint black edging or transverse bars, varying by population.

• Coloration: Dark brown to black body with iridescent green or blue scales, giving a metallic "emerald" sheen, especially in males. Males display vivid red accents on caudal, anal, and pelvic fins during courtship or aggression. Females are duller, brownish with muted green or red hints and reduced iridescence.

• Operculum: Males exhibit iridescent green or blue scales with two parallel red or silvery vertical bars, more vibrant when flaring. Females have simpler, less distinct opercular markings with faint iridescence.

• Habitat: Native to northeastern Thailand, Laos, and parts of Cambodia in the Mekong Basin. Inhabits slow-moving, shallow waters such as rice paddies, swamps, ponds, and streams with dense vegetation and leaf litter. Thrives in warm (24-30°C), slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.5) water with low oxygen, relying on its labyrinth organ for air-breathing.

Basic Information

Temperament: Males are VERY aggressive and should be kept alone or in tanks with non-male betta mates. Can be kept in a planted community tank of multiple females if there is adequate space.

Max Size: 2.3 inches

TDS: 60 - 200 (We keep them in soft water with low TDS to match our other wild bettas but they are more tolerant of water conditions.)

pH: 5.0-7.0

Temperature: 75-85 (much better coloration at a warmer temperature above 78 degrees). Can tolerate low temp 60 degrees for short period of time.

Diet: Carnivorous, we currently feed them live blackworms, frozen bloodworms, and pellets.

Breeding: Bubblenester