Betta Imbellis The Peaceful Wild Betta

If you have ever wished for a betta with all the beauty but none of the aggression, this betta imbellis is exactly what you need. Often called the peaceful betta or crescent betta, Betta imbellis is a wild-type species that can coexist with other fish — and even other males in the right conditions. For hobbyists, this species is especially rewarding because it thrives in the warm, soft water conditions.

Key Taxonomic Facts

• Scientific name: Betta imbellis Ladiges, 1975
• Family: Osphronemidae
• Common names: Peaceful betta, crescent betta
• Maximum size: 5–6 cm
• Lifespan: 3–5 years
• Origin: Southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia

Feeding and Diet

Betta imbellis is a micro-predator in the wild, feeding on insect larvae, small crustaceans and zooplankton. In captivity, offer a varied diet to maintain vibrant colouration and good health.

Recommended Foods

• Staple: High-quality micro pellets or betta-specific pellets.
• Live foods: Daphnia, baby brine shrimp, microworms, grindal worms. These are easy to culture at home even in a small HDB flat.
• Frozen foods: Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia — readily available at local fish shops across Singapore.
• Treats: Mosquito larvae collected from outdoor containers (common in tropical Singapore, but ensure no pesticide contamination).

Recommended Water Parameters