Betta Krataios (Betta krataios)

Traded as Betta sp. “Kapuas” before it was formally described, this small wild mouthbrooding betta appears to be endemic to the lower Kapuas River basin in West Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. It has been collected around Pontianak, Sanggau and Mandor. In the wild it lives in shaded forest swamp streams and pools, some only a few centimetres deep, with very soft, tannin-stained water over fallen leaves, branches and tree roots. The name comes from the Greek for “strong” or “sturdy”, after its build. It has a yellowish-brown body with yellowish fins, turquoise scales on the gill cover and a rounded tail. Males grow larger than females and have a broader head, more iridescent scaling on the head and more extended fins.

It is not suited to a standard community tank, as larger or livelier fish will intimidate it. It is best kept alone, as a pair, or as a group, with only very peaceful tank mates. We recommend dim lighting, leaf litter, driftwood, clay pots or lengths of pipe for shelter, a gentle sponge filter, and a well-covered tank that isn’t filled to the top, so the fish can reach the humid air layer above the water. It is an excellent jumper.

Care

• Origin: Indonesia

• Fish size: up to 5.5cm

• Tank size: 41 litres minimum for a pair

• Temperature: 22-28℃

• pH: 5.0-7.0

• Hardness: 1-5dGH

• Water Flow: Low

• Temperament: peaceful, best kept alone or with very peaceful species

• Diet: small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm, and will usually accept dried foods once settled

Breeding

Paternal mouthbrooder. After a long courtship the pair embrace, the female spits the eggs out and the male catches them in his mouth. He holds them for 7-14 days before releasing fully formed, free-swimming fry. We recommend leaving the female in the tank, as a stressed or inexperienced male may swallow or release the eggs early. The fry can take micro worm and brine shrimp nauplii straight away.