Imperial Betta

Looks how to spot one

scales and fins

A slim, streamlined labyrinth fish with a dark brown to black body, iridescent blue or green gill plates, and shimmering blue fins. The tail fin has a distinctive red, crescent-shaped band along the rear edge, and the anal fin tips are red. Males are more colourful with longer fins; females are browner with shorter fins.16

Personality what they are like

Generally peaceful and sociable, especially compared to the Siamese fighting fish. Males can still show territorial behaviour, particularly during breeding, but with enough space and hiding spots they can be kept in pairs or small groups. They are not suitable for a standard community tank with boisterous fish; choose very peaceful tank mates or keep them alone.134

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. They enjoy exploring a planted aquarium with gentle water flow. Provide plenty of cover such as caves, driftwood, and floating plants. Strong currents should be avoided as they come from sluggish waters.16

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. Keep the aquarium well covered as they are excellent jumpers and need access to a layer of warm, humid air above the water for their labyrinth organ. Regular small water changes and a gentle sponge filter are ideal. Dried leaf litter can be added to mimic natural conditions and provide beneficial microbe colonies.1

Home where they are happiest

A well planted aquarium with plenty of surface cover from floating plants or tall stem plants. Use driftwood, clay pots, or plastic pipes for shelter. Water temperature 20-28 °C, pH 5.0-7.5. A 45 × 30 cm base tank is suitable for a pair; groups need a 30 gallon or larger. Avoid strong water movement.16

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. In the wild they eat aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. In captivity offer high quality micro pellets or betta flakes as a staple, supplemented regularly with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. Avoid overfeeding as they are prone to obesity.13

Company who they like around

Can be kept in pairs, species groups, or with very peaceful community fish such as small cyprinids and loaches. Males may spar, so provide plenty of line of sight breaks. For breeding, isolate pairs. Not recommended for standard community tanks with active or fin nipping species.14

The story where it all began

Betta imbellis has been used for organised fighting bouts in southern Thailand, similar to Betta splendens, and has been selectively bred for the ornamental trade. It has also been hybridised with related species such as Betta smaragdina, Betta mahachaiensis, and Betta splendens to create new colour forms. Its reputation as a peaceful alternative to the Siamese fighting fish has made it increasingly popular among aquarists.1