Betta Picta Pair (Betta picta)

Also known as the Spotted Betta or Java Fighting Fish, this wild mouthbrooding betta is endemic to Java, Indonesia, where it lives in relatively cool highland streams. It has subtle earthy colouring rather than the flashy look of Betta splendens. It is a calm, peaceful species and is one of the easier wild bettas to keep. This listing is for a male and female pair.

It needs soft, acidic to neutral water and dim lighting. We recommend a well-planted tank with driftwood, rocks, floating plants and plenty of hiding places, and a tight-fitting lid, as with all bettas. It does not like overly warm water, so keep it at the cooler end of the range.

Care

• Origin: Indonesia

• Fish size: up to 6cm

• Tank size: 54 litres minimum for a pair

• Temperature: 22-28℃

• pH: 5.5-7.5

• Water Flow: Low to medium

• Temperament: peaceful, can be kept as a pair or small group

• Diet: accepts most foods, such as live and frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp and good quality pellets

Breeding

Paternal mouthbrooder. The female usually starts the spawning, and the male holds the eggs in his mouth for around 9-12 days before releasing free-swimming fry. 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. Spawning is often triggered by water changes.