Betta Pugnax (Betta pugnax)

Also known as the Penang Betta or Forest Betta, this large wild mouthbrooding betta is native to Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. It was first described from Penang, and it lives in shallow, clear, flowing hill streams with a sandy bottom, leaf litter and overhanging tree roots. It is a more subdued species than the nest-building bettas. Males have a broader head, longer pelvic fins, pointed anal and tail fins and patches of green iridescence on the cheeks.

It is fairly peaceful with fish too big to swallow, and in a tank 75cm or longer it can be kept as a small group. For spawning, a pair works best. We recommend a tank with plenty of rocks, leaf litter, driftwood and floating plants, good water movement without strong surface agitation, and a tight-fitting lid, as these fish jump.

Care

• Origin: Indonesia

• Fish size: 8-10cm

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

• Temperature: 22-26℃

• pH: 5.5-7.5

• Water Flow: Low to medium

• Temperament: fairly peaceful, best as a pair or small group

• Diet: carnivorous, live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp, and will also take flake

Breeding

Paternal mouthbrooder, not a bubble nester. The male holds the eggs in his mouth for a few weeks before releasing the fry.