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Betta smaragdina, the emerald betta, is a wild species from northeastern Thailand and nearby Laos. Its name comes from the Latin for emerald: males have a dark body covered in bright green to turquoise scales, with fins edged in red or blue. It is part of the splendens group, so it looks like a slimmer, wild cousin of the domestic ikan laga.
Smaragdina is one of the hardier wild bettas and a good step for keepers moving on from plakats. FishyHub lists smaragdina from Malaysian sellers and breeders, with prices in RM.
Green to blue-green scaling over a dark body, with short, rounded fins.
Some sellers list fish by collection locality, and a form known as "Guitar" has a distinctive pattern on the body. Names vary between breeders, so check photos and ask the seller what the label means.
Smaragdina crosses easily with splendens. Hybrids can be colourful, but if you want a pure wild line, ask the seller directly.
| Care point | Betta smaragdina |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 25–29°C. Most Malaysian rooms (26–31°C) are fine; avoid sun and heat spikes. |
| Minimum tank | 1 kaki (30 cm), about 12–15 litres, for one fish; 2 kaki (60 cm, 55–65 L) for a pair |
| Temperament | Territorial males; fight like splendens |
| Diet | Small pellets plus live or frozen artemia, daphnia and bloodworm |
| Beginner-friendly? | Yes, one of the easiest wild bettas |
Smaragdina adapts well to warm homes and doesn't need a heater. Set up a planted tank with floating plants, some driftwood and a few daun ketapang. A sponge filter keeps flow gentle. Dim light brings out the green sheen better than bright LEDs.
Treat tap water with anti klorin and do small, regular water changes. Because our tap water is often soft with low KH, pH can drift; a simple test kit helps you keep it steady. A tight lid is a must, as these bettas jump.
Smaragdina is a bubble nester. The male builds a nest under floating cover, and after spawning he guards the eggs. Remove the female afterwards to protect her.
Prices in RM depend on purity, locality and colour. East Malaysia buyers should check with the seller before ordering.
Tidak digalakkan. Jantan smaragdina akan bergaduh seperti ikan laga biasa. Simpan seekor jantan sahaja dalam satu akuarium.
Warna boleh pudar jika ikan stres, sakit atau lampu terlalu terang. Gunakan lampu yang malap, banyak pokok dan pastikan air bersih.
Yes. It is one of the easier wild bettas, as long as water is clean and stable.
Most captive-bred fish accept small pellets, but live and frozen foods keep them in best condition.
Compare Betta smaragdina from Malaysian sellers, with prices in RM. Also browse Mahachai Betta and Imbellis Betta for related wild species.
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