🐠 Wild Betta Smaragdina Copper Spade Tail Male

🔹 Overview

The Wild Betta Smaragdina Copper Spade Tail Male — often called the Emerald or Copper Betta — is a stunning wild species within the Betta smaragdina complex.
It is celebrated for its shimmering metallic copper-green coloration and spade-shaped tail, which gives it a sleek, powerful appearance.

Unlike the more aggressive domestic splendens, the Smaragdina Copper Spade Tail maintains its natural grace, subtle aggression, and vivid iridescence, making it a favorite among wild betta enthusiasts.

🔹 Origin & Natural History

The name Smaragdina means “emerald” in Latin, referencing the natural metallic sheen found across its body and fins. The Copper variant exhibits more bronze or golden tones, a result of natural geographic variation or selective breeding from wild copper-colored populations.

🔹 Physical Description

1. Size:

   • Reaches about 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches) in body length.

2. Body Shape:

   • Streamlined, torpedo-like, and perfectly adapted for slow, graceful swimming.

3. Coloration:

   • Base Color: Copper-bronze or golden-brown with green-blue iridescence on the scales.

   • Fins: Metallic green-blue highlights with copper underlay; edges often darker.

   • Head & Gill Plates: Deep bronze with shimmering emerald reflections.

   • Eyes: Dark and expressive, with a slight metallic ring under good lighting.

4. Tail Type:

   • Spade Tail: Broad at the base, tapering elegantly to a central point — smooth, strong, and refined.

5. Sexual Dimorphism:

   • Males: More intense metallic coloration, longer fins, and sharper tail point.

   • Females: Smaller, with duller colors and rounder fins.

🔹 Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive but far calmer than domestic bettas.

• Behavior: Territorial toward males but peaceful with non-threatening species.

• Flaring: Males exhibit bold flaring displays with radiant color flashes during dominance or courtship.

• Personality: Intelligent, alert, and interactive; recognizes the aquarist’s presence.

Unlike Betta splendens, Smaragdina males display measured aggression — they defend their territory but rarely attack without reason.

🔹 Habitat & Tank Setup

In the wild, Betta smaragdina thrives in shaded, shallow, slow-moving waters rich in organic matter. To recreate its natural environment:

Tank Setup Recommendations:

• Tank Size: 25–40 litres for one male.

• Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel.

• Décor: Driftwood, rocks, caves, and dried leaves.

• Plants: Dense planting with floating species like frogbit or water lettuce.

• Lighting: Soft or subdued lighting to enhance copper tones.

• Filtration: Gentle sponge or slow-flow filter.

• Lid: Secure cover — these bettas are excellent jumpers.

🔹 Ideal Water Parameters

The copper and green hues intensify under tannin-rich, soft water with minimal light reflection.

🔹 Diet & Feeding

Diet Type: Carnivorous / Insectivorous

Preferred Foods:

• Live: bloodworms, daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp.

• Frozen: mysis shrimp, tubifex, cyclops.

• Dry: high-protein betta pellets.

Feeding Tips:

• Offer small meals once or twice daily.

• Include live food weekly to enhance color and vitality.

• Avoid overfeeding — these bettas thrive on lean, natural diets.

🔹 Health & Maintenance

Common Issues:

• Fin tears or mild bacterial infections from poor water quality.

• Stress under bright lights or turbulent currents.

• Occasional fungal issues if tank is not clean.

Preventive Care:

• Maintain stable water parameters.

• Use tannin sources for mild antibacterial protection.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes.

• Provide quiet surroundings and gentle lighting.

Healthy males will show metallic shimmer, active swimming, and bubble-nest building behavior.

🔹 Compatibility

🔹 Breeding & Reproduction

• Breeding Type: Bubble-nest builder.

• Courtship: Male flares and leads female beneath floating plants or leaves.

• Spawning:

  • Male wraps around the female to fertilize eggs.

  • Eggs are placed in the bubble nest and guarded by the male.

  • Female should be removed post-spawning.

• Incubation: 36–48 hours before hatching.

• Fry Feeding: Infusoria or micro-worms, later baby brine shrimp.

Breeding Difficulty: Moderate — success improves in warm, soft, tannin-rich water with minimal disturbance.

🔹 Lifespan

• Typical: 3–4 years

• Optimal Conditions: Up to 5 years

🔹 Distinctive Traits & Highlights

1. Copper-Iridescent Body: Reflective scales shimmer with bronze, green, and blue hues.

2. Elegant Spade Tail: Balanced, natural, and functional for smooth swimming.

3. True Wild Temperament: Calm yet expressive and territorial when needed.

4. Natural Beauty: Retains authentic wild coloration and proportions.

5. Low Maintenance: Hardy and adaptable compared to many wild species.

🔹 Quick Summary

🔹 Summary

The Wild Betta Smaragdina Copper Spade Tail Male is a refined, naturally metallic fish with unmatched iridescence and personality. Its copper-green glow and elegant tail make it both a showpiece and a representation of authentic wild betta charm.

Perfect for aquarists who appreciate natural coloration, calm intelligence, and traditional Thai betta lineages, this betta is both visually striking and deeply rewarding to keep.

FOR DELIVERY IN KOLKATA LOCATION ONLY. IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.