TankBud

Crescent betta

Betta imbellis

Also known as Peacock Betta

FreshwaterFish

Crescent betta (Betta imbellis)
DefenderRegina · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
2.4 in
6 cm
Minimum tank
12 gal
45 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Bubble nester
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra

Overview

The crescent betta is a small wild betta for a quiet, well planted tank. It is best kept once you have a little experience.

Did you know

Two male crescent bettas can sometimes share a heavily planted tank, as long as there is space and sightline breaks. They do it without the all-out fighting you see in domestic bettas. Their wild temperament was never bred up for aggression the way show bettas were.

Caring for the crescent betta

Keep the crescent betta as a single fish or a bonded pair in a planted tank of at least 12 gal (45 L). Add floating plants and plenty of dense cover for it to retreat into. Keep the lid snug and leave a little air gap above the water.

It wants calm water with almost no current, at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C). Keep the water soft, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed small meaty foods, such as a quality pellet, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.

The crescent betta is mostly peaceful and tends to hold the middle and upper levels of a quiet tank. Choose any tank mates with caution. Males build bubble nests to hold the eggs.

Good to know

The crescent betta is a wild betta in the family Osphronemidae. Like its relatives, it is a labyrinth fish that gulps air from the surface. It is much calmer than the domesticated Siamese fighting fish it is related to. It is also sold as the peacock betta.

In the wild

Crescent bettas live in shallow, still waters across Malaysia, Thailand and Sumatra, including swamps, rice paddies and small streams. These spots are warm, soft to neutral, and packed with plants near the surface.

Common questions

What size tank does a crescent betta need?

A crescent betta needs at least 12 gal (45 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a crescent betta need?

A crescent betta is comfortable at 68–82°F (20–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a crescent betta eat?

A crescent betta eats small meaty foods, such as a quality pellet, frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.

How big does a crescent betta get?

An adult crescent betta reaches about 2.4 in (6 cm).

How does a crescent betta breed?

A crescent betta breeds at a bubble nest. The male builds the nest to hold the eggs.

Related species