Betta Imbellis Pair

[Fishball7]

I'm flirting with the idea of buying a small tank just for a pair of imbellis, breed and sell them. Mostly just to have a pair 'cause they look so good. I'm familiar with betta splendens but not with imbellis. Through a bit of Googling I've read a minimum 10 gallon is fine for a pair, but some warn to treat them like splendens, ie house male and female separately. I'd like opinions from people who have done this. I'm considering getting a 60 x 45 x 45cm, about 30 gallons, with some shrimps and that's it. Would two pairs work in that tank too? What do you think?

 

[KittyKat]

My experience is that they're probably the only other Betta which should be treated as B. splendens. If you really want a peaceful pair, try B. simplex or something like that. Given how placid my simplex were, I'd probably be quite happy to try two pairs in a 60*45*45 cm tank.

 

[Fishball7]

But they are called Imbellis--peaceful betta? Just confused.

 

[KittyKat]

Well, they are peaceful compared to B. splendens, but still not always *that* peaceful. If you want to try a pair, then you would need to make sure one is able to get away from the other in an emergency, so it would be a bit of a specialised set up compared to what people would have normally. It is doable, but I'd be happier trying it in a larger tank. As with B. splendens, the temperament also does vary between individuals, so it would be well worth getting a pair which is known to get along well over two random fish or two from a much larger tank.

 

[Fishball7]

Hmm. I'd go with a pair of imbellis in the tank with some showcase shrimps then. With plants it should be enough space for them to run away. Thanks.