Betta Albimarginata Pair (Betta albimarginata)

Also known as the White-seam Betta, and as the Strawberry Betta in its Sebuku form, this small wild mouthbrooding betta comes from the Sebuku River drainage in East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. It lives in shallow forest streams only 5-10cm deep, among marginal plant roots and leaf litter. It is classed as Endangered because of habitat loss. The Sebuku form has a dark red to maroon body with black cheeks and the black and white fin edges that give the species its name. Mature males are more colourful than females. This listing is for a male and female pair.

This species does best in soft, acidic, tannin-stained water in a calm, dimly lit setup. We recommend a mature species tank with leaf litter, driftwood, dense planting, a dark substrate and a gentle sponge filter, and a tight-fitting lid, as with all bettas. It is peaceful, but it is not suited to a community tank with larger or livelier fish.

Care

• Origin: Indonesia

• Fish size: up to 4cm

• Tank size: 40 litres minimum for a pair

• Temperature: 23-28℃

• pH: 4.0-6.5

• Water Flow: Low

• Temperament: peaceful, species-only tank recommended

• Diet: carnivorous, small live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm, and some will take small pellets

Breeding

Paternal mouthbrooder, and it has been bred in home aquariums. After an elaborate courtship the pair embrace, and the male holds the eggs in his mouth. We recommend a separate breeding tank with the tightest-fitting cover possible, as the fry need a layer of warm, humid air for the labyrinth organ to develop properly.