Wild Betta Smaragdina Blue Spade Tail – HIGH QUALITY MALE

Wild bettas prefer a smaller tank with a size of 2.5-10 gallon which should be planted, filtered and heated, biotopes are usually the best option as these are tanks that mimic their natural habitat and has beneficial tannins that the wild bettas love as they’ll keep the water soft and somewhat acidic.
Dried almond leaves are a great simple source for tannin, I usually use half a leaf to 5 gallons but the more you use will be better as long as you have a tea-like colouration in your water your fish will have no issue colouring up and settling in.

Tanks should be semi-planted and not overly dense otherwise fish will like to hide a lot, as a breeder I keep my males in individual 2.5 gallon bare bottom tanks next to one another with no filtration but I do 100% water changes every 4 days using aged water that I’ve left out for a week to release all the chemicals that may be in the water.

The simplest wilds are imbellis but the common myths that Imbellis are peaceful and can live in groups with males together or pairs is thrown around too easily without much thought, these fish given the chance will fight for territory and in such a small tank it could end in deaths, Male and female pair in tanks have worked but it's not always the case because after they spawn the male will be very aggressive protecting his eggs so the stress on your female is not really needed unless you’re trying to breed, a scenario which does work, however, is a Harem of 1 male to 4-5 females in a tank preferably larger than 15-20 gallons with dense plants life and plenty of room for fish to stay away from one another.
Temp should be between 25-27 whilst ph can be from 5-7 in my experience. All wilds within the splenden complex can share the same water parameters with no issue as long as you have soft water and tannin.

Reconditioning guide

Reconditioning after travelling across the world, Do not expect a full glistening fish to show right out of the bags it takes extra care and patients to recondition wilds.
Before we start here is the super recipe.

Tannin! Tannin! And more Tannin!!!

Wilds will lose all their colouration whilst they are in the bags and clamp their fins which are expected due to the stress but they can easily overcome this after you give them time to relax and adjust to their new home.

What to prepare ahead.

Dried almond leaves for tannin is a must, bettas of all variants benefit from tannin as it helps soften the water and lowers the PH and replicating the environment of what these fish are used to. Tannin also helps reduce potential infection during this crucial stage whilst your fish shifts from its original setting to their new home.

A planted aquarium with a lid is highly recommended as giving these guys the most natural set-up will always be a benefit to their adjustments, live plants offer coverage and keep the parameter of the water in check. A lid will also keep them from jumping as these guys are super agile and will jump out of the smallest of holes, floating plants are perfect for wilds and so are tall growing plants. Floating plants such as frogbit, water lettuce and tall growing plants like hornworts are great as wilds will love to swim through their roots and rest on them

Turn off lighting for the first few days Lighting after arriving can stress them out since they have been in the dark for some days so it is best to keep lighting off whilst they settle and acclimate into their new tank.

Live food or frozen bloodworms are highly recommended as this is what I feed my fish, live food is the best as this will get them hunting and help give them their apatite back, feed small portions only after a few hours of them roaming their new tank, don’t feed straight away as they won’t usually eat after being out of the bag.

Avoid any flaring or sight of another betta for the next 72 hours we should let them have their own territory that they feel it's theirs and this will greatly help in making your fish have confidence and flare when he sees another male or the mirror in the future.

Colour returning – t is very normal for wilds to be completely pale and brown with stressed stripes and clamped fins for the first few days but once they begin to settle their colours should begin to return and fins will begin to open up, after 3-4 days it is usually safe to try to play around with your fish but don’t pressure him into flaring too much just yet as he may still be adjusting, the best thing to do is just give them time and not disturb them too much even though you are so eager to check out your new fish trust me it will be 10x better once he’s fully coloured up!

If you are unclear about anything feel free to contact me

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