Slender betta

Betta bellica

Slender brown body with green scale highlights.

A slender brown fish with green scale highlights; male fins are slightly extended.

Natural habitat: Inhabits peat swamp forest and connected blackwater streams, as well as other freshwater swamp forest, among leaves, branches and roots.

Suits 25–30°C, pH 4.0–7.0, 1–5 dGH; low carbonate hardness, shade and gentle flow.

Appearance and identification

Mature males are usually brighter and longer-finned. Strong jumper: secure the cover and keep a humid air gap and surface access.

Start with a sheltered pair; nest-guarding males may chase females.

Needs soft-water specialist care; persistent conspecific aggression occurs.

A base larger than 80 × 30 cm.

Use shade-tolerant plants, floating cover and wood for shelter; keep dim light, gentle flow and surface access.

Offer small live/frozen foods and accepted dry foods without overfeeding.

Sources