The Betta Smaragdina, also known as the Emerald Betta or Smaragd Betta, is a captivating and colorful freshwater fish that adds a touch of beauty and elegance to any aquarium. With its stunning emerald-green body and distinctive finnage, the Betta Smaragdina is a popular choice among aquarists who seek a visually striking and graceful fish for their tanks. Originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Cambodia, these bettas are known for their peaceful nature (with some territorial tendencies) and their ability to showcase a beautiful display of colors. Let's explore a detailed description of these remarkable fish, including essential information on their appearance, water conditions, tank setup, feeding habits, and care.

Appearance:

• Striking Emerald-Green Body: The Betta Smaragdina is named for its beautiful emerald-green body, which is one of its most prominent and captivating features.
• Distinctive Fins: They have long, flowing fins with vibrant patterns and colors, adding to their overall grace and beauty.
• Size: They are small fish, reaching an adult length of around 2.5 to 3 inches (6 to 8 centimeters) in captivity.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature range of 78°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C) to ensure the well-being of Betta Smaragdina.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide a moderately soft to moderately hard water with a hardness level between 5 and 15 dGH.
• Filtration: Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain excellent water quality.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Betta Smaragdina can be kept in a small to medium-sized tank of at least 10 gallons (38 liters) due to their small size and territorial nature.
• Aquascape: Create a well-decorated environment with live plants, smooth rocks or driftwood, and open swimming areas to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots.
• Solitary Fish: Betta Smaragdina is best kept as a solitary fish, as males can be territorial and aggressive towards other male bettas or similarly colorful fish.

Feeding Habit:

• Carnivorous Diet: Betta Smaragdina are carnivores and prefer a diet primarily consisting of live or frozen foods.
• High-Quality Pellets: Offer high-quality betta pellets or flakes suitable for their size and species as part of their diet.
• Supplementary Foods: Provide occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms to supplement their diet.

Care:

• Solitary Nature: Male Betta Smaragdina should be kept alone to avoid territorial conflicts.
• Observation: Monitor their behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy and showing no signs of stress or illness.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Some peaceful tank mates, such as small, non-aggressive fish or shrimp, can be considered for a community tank.