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Labyrinth Fish
/ Belontiidae / Peaceful Betta
Peaceful Betta
Betta imbellis | Pictures
Synonyms: Formerly known as
B. splendens
Physical description: An elongated, laterally compressed fish with a rounded caudal fin and an upturned mouth.
The
coloring is highly variable, although fins are not nearly as elongate as those of B. splendens.
The edge of the anal fin is fairly straight,
and not flowing.
Females have duller colors.
Size/Length: To 2" (5 cm)
Similar species: Other Betta
species
Habitat: Southeast Asia; Malaysia
S: middle, top
Aquarium: A bowl/tank of 8" (20 cm) with a capacity of 1
/2
gallons (1.9 L) is sufficient.
Do not keep this fish in bowls smaller than 1
/2
gallons (1.9 L).
The water should be kept clean.
Water chemistry: pH 6-8 (7.0), 3-25°dH (8), 72-79°F (22-26°C)
Social behavior: Males are aggressive towards one another, but injuries rarely occur in fights.
Thus
it is possible to keep more than one male in a roomy tank.
This species is peaceful towards other fish.
Do
not combine with aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
Suggested companions: Tetras, Danios,
Corydoras,
Colisa species,
Trichopsis, Loricarids, Loaches.
FOOD: Flakes; live;
Tubifex, insect larvae, Brine Shrimp
Sexual differences: Males are more colorful and have more elaborate fins.
Breeding techniques: Follow suggestions for
B. splendens.
Breeding potential: 6.
Breeding is not difficult.
Remarks: This species has a temperament more peaceful than that of other Bettas, hence its common
name.
Difficulty of care: 3.
A hardy species that is sensitive to drastic changes in water conditions.
Recent articles about fish
Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees
(2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health.
Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees
(10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine.
Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater
(12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina.
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