Betta Coccina “Wine Red” (Betta coccina)

Also known as the Wine Red Betta, Scarlet Betta or Claret Betta, this small wild bubble-nesting betta comes from the peat swamps of Sumatra, Indonesia, and peninsular Malaysia. The name refers to the male’s deep wine-red colour. Males may have a blue or green spot on the side, or a solid green side, and the pattern is quite variable. Females are a plainer red with a visible egg tube. It is the species that gives its name to the Betta coccina group of small red wild bettas.

This species needs very soft, acidic, tannin-stained water and a calm, dimly lit setup. It is shy, and males can be aggressive towards each other. We recommend a dedicated, heavily planted tank with leaf litter, a dark substrate, floating plants and a gentle sponge filter, and a tight-fitting lid, as with all bettas.

Care

• Origin: Indonesia

• Fish size: up to 5cm

• Tank size: 40 litres minimum for a pair

• Temperature: 24-27℃

• pH: 4.0-6.0

• Water Flow: Low

• Temperament: shy, peaceful towards other species, males can be aggressive towards each other

• Diet: carnivorous, small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm

Breeding

Bubble nester, with the male building a nest under large leaves or floating plants. Provide plenty of cover for the female, as pairing can be difficult. 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.