Betta Pallifina “Red Mahakam” Pair (Betta pallifina)

This large wild mouthbrooding betta comes from Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, and is sold as “Red Mahakam”. It belongs to the Betta unimaculata complex, one of the larger-growing groups in the genus. Standard Betta pallifina are tan to brown with green and blue iridescence, but this form is bigger and has red in the fins. Both sexes show blue-teal fins with a metallic copper coating and red banding.

Like many of the largest bettas they can be aggressive, and they will eat anything that fits in their big mouths, so we recommend a species-only tank. We recommend plenty of hiding places, plants and driftwood so the pair can keep out of each other’s way, and a tight-fitting lid, as with all bettas.

Care

• Origin: Indonesia

• Fish size: 8cm+

• Tank size: 76 litres minimum for a pair, at least 60cm long

• Temperature: 22-28℃, cooler preferred, though warmer water brings out colour and breeding behaviour

• pH: 5.0-7.5

• TDS: 60-250ppm

• Water Flow: Low to medium

• Temperament: can be aggressive, species-only tank recommended

• Diet: carnivorous, live and frozen foods such as blackworm and bloodworm, and will also take pellets

Breeding

Paternal mouthbrooder. The female usually starts the spawning, and the male holds the eggs in his mouth for around two weeks. We recommend breeding the pair in a separate tank, as it isn’t known whether the adults will eat the fry.