Peaceful fighting fish - Betta imbellis - single animal

The peaceful fighting fish, Betta imbellis, which is relatively seldom found in the trade, is related to the more well-known Betta splendens, but it exhibits much less aggressive behavior and can therefore be kept as a pair. For the first time this fish, which belongs to the labyrinth fishes, was examined more closely in 1975. In Southeast Asia this foam nest fish is quite widespread, so that it is to be found between Sumatra to Singapore, Borneo, Laos up to north and Thailand. It mainly inhabits the weedy shore regions of standing and flowing rainforest areas, but also flooded streams and rivers.

Although Betta imbellis and Betta splendens are externally difficult to distinguish, at the latest a look at their behavior provides information. The almost 5 cm large growing peaceful fighting fish have a gray basic coloration, which is darker in the back area, the flanks and the belly are lighter. From the mouth to the tail fin two dark lines appear, which end in a spot on the tail fin root. Males in particular form magnificently colored fins in various shades of blue, which may also be fringed with red. Their otherwise gray body forms turquoise spots. Usually their gill cover patch is colored green to blue, but depending on the origin, it may be completely absent. It is possible that this color extends over the eye. The tips of the first elongated and red pelvic fin rays are colored light blue to white, near the body the fin bases may appear darker. Due to their easy keeping and their peacefulness the Peaceful Fighting Fish is also suitable for community aquariums and can already be kept by beginners.

The males differ from the females mainly by their more intense coloration, but also in size. The females remain somewhat smaller and also paler, they form maximally pinkish tones. An increase in temperature up to 30 °C can favor the readiness to mate. The females indicate this by vertical stripes. If the animals are well fed, the male soon builds a foam nest in an aquarium corner including floating plants. Peaceful fighting fish mate closely. The female falls into a kind of rigidity. The male collects the eggs dropped to the bottom with his mouth and spits them into the foam nest. He meticulously guards the nest, repairs it if necessary, and defends it from other fish. Depending on the temperature, the larvae hatch after about four to five days, still feeding on their yolk sac. They can be raised after another four to five days with finest live food like infusoria, paramecia and after that also with hatched Artemia na uplii.

With regard to their habitat, the aquarium of the Peaceful Fighting Fish may be somewhat smaller with 54 liters. Like Betta splendens, the animals do not like bright lighting and prefer little flow, but densely planted areas in the aquarium. Rather dark bottoms, which do not reflect very much, would be advantageous. Concerning their water values the fish are quite tolerant, but an acidic and soft environment with a total hardness between 10-30 °dGH, a pH value between 4.5-7.2 would be advantageous, which is why the Peaceful Fighting Fish is also perfectly suitable for a black water aquarium. Since these fish also have a labyrinth organ, they breathe at the water surface, to which they regularly ascend. Since the atmospheric oxygen is usually cooler than the aquarium temperature, the aquarium should be covered if possible, so that the animals do not "cool down".

Since the Betta imbellis is an excellent hunter, which impressively chases live food, a socialization with shrimps is rather not recommended, since it can eat their offspring. Crayfish are also not suitable, as they may tug at the fins of the fighting fish. Fish from similar habitats, which are not too obtrusive, but also catfish and other bottom-dwelling fish are suitable in the community aquarium.

The Peaceful Fighting Fish feeds on animal food in its habitat : aquatic insects, tiny crustaceans and other invertebrates, which is why it can be easily fed with live and frozen food such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, enchytrae and cyclops, but also special Betta food granules with a high animal content.

Our food recommendation: The soft granulate NatureHolic Bettafeed has been optimized in its composition to meet the needs of fighting fish and other carnivores. However, fighting fish do not only need pure animal proteins. A small proportion of vegetable substances imitates the intestinal contents of prey animals, with which the beautiful bettas in nature ultimately eat a certain amount of plant food. Garlic extract has a strengthening effect and can support the immune system and also make it strong against parasites.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.