Emerald Betta (Betta smaragdina) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 10 gallons and 75-82°F. A wild-type betta with a green-blue sheen and a more streamlined body than fancy bettas. It is a lovely planted-tank fish but is not as forgiving as the common betta, so give it clean, soft to moderate water, floating plants and an air gap under the lid.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Betta smaragdina |
|---|---|
| Family | Osphronemidae |
| Origin | Thailand and Laos (Mekong basin) |
| Adult size | 2.5-3 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Males territorial toward other males; usually calmer than fancy bettas around other species |
| Social behavior | One male per tank, or a pair |
| Swim level | Upper to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: micro pellets, frozen and live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworms |
| Typical lifespan | 2-4 years |
Quick tips
- Keep one male per tank unless it is large and heavily planted.
- Leave an air gap under the lid.
- Offer frozen and live foods; wild-type bettas can be picky.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi