
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Betta smaragdina
A wild betta from the Khorat Plateau of northeastern Thailand and Mekong tributaries in central Laos. Green metallic iridescence over body and fins gives it its name. It reaches 6-7cm and is a bubble-nester. It is not suited to a standard community tank.
Betta smaragdina is a small anabantoid from the Khorat Plateau of northeastern Thailand and Mekong tributaries of central Laos, living in rice paddies, swamps, ditches and slow streams. It reaches 6-7cm, with green metallic iridescence across body and fins - hence the name emerald betta. Seriously Fish gives 22-28C, pH 5.5-7.5 and 1-10 dGH; a pair fits a 45 x 30cm tank of about 41 litres, always tightly covered. Live and frozen Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm keep colour and condition up, and dried foods are accepted. It is a bubble-nester: the male builds the nest and guards eggs and fry alone. Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours and fry swim free 3-4 days later, starting on infusoria before moving to microworm and Artemia. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Data Deficient.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Emerald Betta lives 2-4 years.
The Emerald Betta grows to About 6-7cm.
The ideal temperature for the Emerald Betta is 22〜28℃.
Origin
Southeast Asia (Khorat Plateau, northeastern Thailand; Mekong tributaries in central Laos)
Lifespan
2-4 years
Size
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Betta smaragdina Ladiges, 1972
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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About 6-7cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Frozen and live foods (Daphnia, Artemia, bloodworm), dried foods
From a 45 x 30cm tank (about 41 litres) for a pair. Provide floating plants and wood for cover near the surface, and fit a tight lid.
22-28C, pH 5.5-7.5, 1-10 dGH. It comes from still and slow water, so avoid strong flow.
Not recommended for a standard community tank. Keep alone, or with very peaceful species such as small cyprinids and loaches from similar habitats.
It eats small aquatic invertebrates in the wild. In captivity offer Daphnia, Artemia or bloodworm regularly alongside dried foods.
A bubble-nester. The male builds the nest and guards eggs and fry alone; eggs hatch in 24-48 hours and fry swim free 3-4 days later, starting on infusoria.
Keep surface access clear for air breathing and do not let the air above the water get cold. Males fight, so do not house them together outside breeding.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Emerald Betta is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Emerald Betta is 2-4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Emerald Betta typically reaches About 6-7cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Emerald Betta feeds on: Frozen and live foods (Daphnia, Artemia, bloodworm), dried foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Emerald Betta varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026