The Female Betta Imbellis, also known as the Peaceful Betta, is a stunning and understated labyrinth fish native to Southeast Asia. Unlike the commonly known Betta splendens, Betta imbellis is renowned for its calmer temperament and suitability for community tanks. Females exhibit a subtle beauty with iridescent blue and green scales, highlighted by delicate fins. Ideal for aquarists looking for a serene yet striking fish, Female Betta Imbellis thrives in naturalistic setups with plenty of plants and hiding spots.

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Care Guide:

Scientific Name: Betta imbellis
Common Name: Peaceful Betta, Crescent Betta
Family: Osphronemidae
Origin: Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, often found in slow-moving streams, swamps, and rice paddies.

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1. Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
• pH Range: 5.5 to 7.0 (prefers slightly acidic water)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-12 dGH)
• Filtration and Flow: Low-flow filtration to mimic their natural calm water habitats.

Note: Female Imbellis Bettas are sensitive to sudden changes in water parameters. Perform weekly water changes (20-25%) to maintain quality.

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2. Tank Setup:

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a single individual; larger tanks are recommended for groups or community setups.
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel. Dark substrates enhance their colors.
• Decor: Include driftwood, leaf litter, and caves (e.g., coconut shells) for hiding.
• Plants: Dense vegetation is crucial for comfort. Use live plants like Java Fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, or floating plants like Amazon Frogbit to provide shaded areas.
• Lighting: Moderate to low lighting replicates their natural habitat and enhances their coloration.

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3. Feeding:

Female Betta Imbellis are carnivorous and benefit from a varied, protein-rich diet.

• Primary Diet: High-quality betta pellets or micro-pellets.
• Supplementary Foods: Live or frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed once or twice daily in small amounts they can consume within 2-3 minutes.

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4. Tank Mates:

Female Betta Imbellis are less aggressive than Betta splendens, making them suitable for peaceful community tanks.

• Compatible Tank Mates: Small, non-aggressive species like rasboras, tetras, and Corydoras. Shrimp such as Amano or Cherry Shrimp may also coexist if introduced carefully.
• Tank Mate Cautions: Avoid fin-nipping or overly boisterous fish. Monitor interactions closely, especially in smaller tanks.

Tip: If keeping multiple females, ensure plenty of hiding spots to reduce territorial disputes.

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5. Behavior and Temperament:

• Activity Level: Moderately active, often seen exploring plants and decor.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful and suitable for groups or community tanks when provided with sufficient space and cover.
• Special Notes: While less territorial than other betta species, individual personality can vary. Observe carefully to ensure compatibility in group setups.

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6. Health and Maintenance:

Female Betta Imbellis are hardy but require consistent care to thrive.

• Maintenance Tips: Maintain clean water and a stable environment.
• Common Health Issues: Susceptible to common fish diseases like ich and fin rot. Quarantine new additions and treat promptly if symptoms appear.
• Labyrinth Organ Care: Ensure access to the water’s surface for oxygen, as they breathe through their labyrinth organ.

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7. Breeding:

Breeding Female Betta Imbellis is achievable with the right conditions.

• Breeding Setup: Use a separate breeding tank with soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5) and a temperature of 78°F to 80°F (26°C to 27°C). Include floating plants or bubble wrap to encourage bubble-nest building by the male.
• Spawning Behavior: Males build a bubble nest and court females. After spawning, the male tends to the eggs. Remove the female post-spawning to prevent stress.
• Fry Care: Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food initially, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

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Key Care Tips:

1. Provide a heavily planted, low-flow tank with soft, slightly acidic water.
2. Maintain a varied diet rich in protein for optimal health and coloration.
3. Monitor behavior when housed with tank mates or other females.
4. Perform regular water changes to maintain pristine conditions.
5. Ensure a secure tank lid, as Bettas may jump.

The Female Betta Imbellis is an elegant and peaceful alternative to the typical betta species, making them perfect for aquarists who value beauty, serenity, and unique fishkeeping experiences. With proper care, these stunning fish will thrive and bring life to any naturalistic aquarium!