Betta Patoti Pair (Betta patoti)

Also known as the Tiger Betta, this is a large wild mouthbrooding betta from East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. It was described from the Mangar River near Balikpapan, and it is also found further north in Kutai Kartanegara. It lives in forest streams and is much bigger than a Betta splendens, with males and females both growing large. Keepers describe a typically peachy-orange fish. It is one of the less demanding wild mouthbrooders, as it lives and breeds well in neutral water of moderate hardness, so it does not need the very soft, acidic blackwater of many of its relatives. This listing is for a male and female pair.

Like the other largest bettas it can be aggressive, and it will eat anything that fits in its big mouth, so we recommend a species-only tank. We recommend well-aerated water, caves and hiding places, driftwood and plants, and a tight-fitting lid, as with all bettas.

Care

• Origin: Indonesia

• Fish size: up to 12cm

• Tank size: 72 litres minimum for a pair, at least 80cm long

• Temperature: 21-27℃

• pH: 4.0-7.0

• 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 male holds the eggs, up to around 80, in his mouth for about 14 days. 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.