
Betta livida
Betta livida
Both sexes have a small iridescent green spot on the red flank that may fade with age.
Both sexes have a small iridescent green spot on the red flank that may fade with age. Parallel golden vertical bars mark the gill covers, and the broad pelvic-fin tips flash green.
- Adult length
- Up to 3.6 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
- Water temperature
- 22–27 °C
- pH
- 3–6
- Hardness
- 1–5 dGH
- Natural habitat
- Inhabits shaded peat-swamp shallows and vegetated stream margins, with slow flow over leaves and detritus.
A small blackwater bubblenester requiring soft, acidic water and refuges for the female.
Appearance and identification
Parallel golden vertical bars mark the gill covers, and the broad pelvic-fin tips flash green.
Social behaviour and territory
A single pair is preferred. Dominant individuals may chase others persistently with multiple pairs.
Diet and feeding
Try suitably sized dried foods, rotating with live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia. Feed small amounts and avoid overfeeding.