{"product_id":"betta-fish-for-sale-uk-spl-female-wild-smaragdina-guitar-7846","title":"Betta spl. female Wild Smaragdina Guitar L (Betta smaragdina) — L","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eEmerald Betta\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBetta smaragdina\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the smaragd fighter or green betta, is a beautifully iridescent labyrinth fish from Southeast Asia that rewards keepers with striking color and fascinating bubble-nesting behavior. Native to the Mekong basin region, this species reaches 4.5 cm in length and is prized for its stunning iridescent green and blue coloration that shimmers like an emerald under subdued lighting. Unlike the heavily line-bred Siamese fighting fish (\u003cem\u003eB. splendens\u003c\/em\u003e), the Emerald Betta retains the natural beauty, hardiness, and fascinating behavior of wild Bettas. Males display vibrant coloration and elaborate courtship displays, building bubble nests and guarding eggs with dedication. Available for sale UK from specialist suppliers, this species is ideal for Betta enthusiasts seeking a beautiful, natural, and rewarding wild Betta species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Physical Characteristics\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetta smaragdina exhibits a slender, streamlined body shape with a slightly compressed profile. Males display stunning iridescent green to blue-green coloration on the body and fins, with scales that shimmer and change color depending on lighting angle—creating an emerald-like effect that gives the species its name. The unpaired fins—dorsal, anal, and caudal—are moderately elongated and ornately colored with green, blue, and red highlights. Females are plainer, with shorter fins and more subdued brownish or olive coloration, though they still possess subtle iridescence. Males are typically more colorful and display more pronounced finnage. Both sexes have large, expressive eyes and a slightly upturned mouth. Coloration intensity varies with mood, breeding condition, and water quality—males in breeding condition or during displays become absolutely luminescent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat and Distribution\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetta smaragdina is native to Southeast Asia, especially the Mekong basin region (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia), where it inhabits slow-moving streams, marshes, rice paddies, and flooded fields within densely vegetated areas. These habitats are characterized by soft, acidic to neutral, tannin-stained water with minimal flow and a substrate of mud, silt, and leaf litter. Water chemistry is typically soft (0-8 dGH) and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5), with warm temperatures (24-28°C) and variable oxygen levels. Dense vegetation, submerged roots, and floating plants provide cover and spawning substrates. As a labyrinth fish, \u003cem\u003eB. smaragdina\u003c\/em\u003e possesses a specialized organ allowing it to breathe atmospheric air, enabling survival in oxygen-poor waters. Understanding these natural conditions is essential for successful captive husbandry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup and Environment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum aquarium capacity of 40 liters is suitable for a pair of Emerald Bettas, with larger tanks (60+ liters) preferred for community or group setups. The tank should be densely planted with species such as \u003cem\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/em\u003e, Java fern, \u003cem\u003eAnubias\u003c\/em\u003e, and Java moss, supplemented with floating plants such as \u003cem\u003eSalvinia\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ePistia\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003eCeratopteris\u003c\/em\u003e to diffuse lighting and provide bubble-nesting substrates. A dark substrate (sand or fine dark gravel) enhances coloration and reduces stress. Include driftwood, dried leaves (Indian almond, oak, or beech), and caves to replicate the natural environment and provide cover. Filtration should be very gentle—sponge filters or air-driven box filters are ideal to avoid strong currents. Lighting should be subdued; these fish are most comfortable in dimly lit environments. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as all Bettas are excellent jumpers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters and Quality\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmerald Bettas require soft to moderately hard water with neutral to slightly acidic chemistry. Maintain temperatures between 24-28°C, with 26°C being ideal. The pH should range from 6.0-7.5, with neutral (pH 6.5-7.0) being optimal. Water hardness should be soft to moderately soft, ideally 3-10 dGH. Stability is critical—avoid sudden fluctuations. Maintain zero ammonia and nitrite at all times, and keep nitrates below 20 ppm through regular small water changes (20-30% weekly). Peat filtration or blackwater extracts can help replicate natural conditions and support health and coloration. Excellent water quality is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetta smaragdina is a carnivore. Offer a varied high-protein diet of quality small carnivore pellets, frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms, with occasional small insect-based foods. Feed once daily in small portions, and fast one day per week. Variety is important for complete nutrition and vibrant coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\" style=\"background-color: #e8f4f8; padding: 15px; border-left: 4px solid #0077be; margin: 20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBubble-Nesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Male Emerald Bettas build elaborate bubble nests at the water surface, typically under floating plants. This is a sign of health and readiness to breed. The male guards the nest and eggs with dedication, displaying fascinating parental behavior.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetta smaragdina is classified as semi-aggressive but is generally calmer than many domesticated Bettas. Males are territorial toward one another but can coexist with carefully chosen peaceful tankmates. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk, becoming bolder in dimly lit aquariums. Males display to females and rivals with spread fins and intensified color. Like all Bettas, they can breathe atmospheric air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include very small, peaceful, non-nippy species in larger planted tanks. Snails are generally safe. Shrimp may coexist if not viewed as prey. Avoid other male Bettas, aggressive or fin-nipping fish, large predatory fish, very boisterous tankmates, and species requiring hard alkaline water. Species-only setups are safest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetta smaragdina is a bubble-nesting species. The male typically builds and guards the nest, and breeding is best done in a quiet, heavily planted tank with floating cover and minimal disturbance. After spawning, the male guards eggs in the bubble nest. Remove the female after spawning to prevent aggression. Fry hatch in 24-48 hours and become free-swimming after 3-5 days. Feed fry infusoria initially, then newly hatched brine shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\" style=\"background-color: #fff4e6; padding: 15px; border-left: 4px solid #ff9800; margin: 20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a calm, well-covered aquarium with low flow, shaded areas, floating plants, and plenty of hiding places. Like other bettas, they can breathe atmospheric air and should not be kept in cold water or sealed containers without surface access.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co is the UK's specialist source for wild Betta species, including healthy Emerald Bettas. Every fish is quarantined, conditioned, and health-checked. We offer a live arrival guarantee, secure packaging, and next-day delivery. Order today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427517636943,"sku":"7846","price":36.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/betta-spl-female-wild-smaragdina-guitar-l-betta-smaragd-hero-driftwood-7846.webp?v=1776550723","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/betta-fish-for-sale-uk-spl-female-wild-smaragdina-guitar-7846","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}