Aquarist Species:  Betta smaragdina 'guitar'

Aquarist: DragonFlyer

Species Profile: Betta smaragdina

Description:   Smaragdina are a species of betta in the Betta splendens complex with snake-like scales that cover their opercular membrane and body. Smaragdina are noted to be hardy and can withstand low temperature due to their high elevation habitat. They are a bubblenesting breeder and have a 2"+ maximum size. Native to northeastern Thailand inhabiting shallow, slow-moving water including rice paddies, swamps, and streams with dense vegetation and low oxygen.

Category:   Anabantids

Global Region:   Asia

Distribution:   Thailand

Aquarist Notes

Genetic Line:   FX 3rd or more Generation

Line Traits:   Guitar variant

Year Acquired:   2026

Acquired a pair from BW Aquatics in June 2026.