Akar betta - Betta akarensis

Scientific name: Betta akarensis

Common name: Akar betta

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 14 cm (3.94 - 5.51 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 6.8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 16°N (178.57 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and Feeding

Akar bettas are not picky eaters and should readily accept a variety of foods. A high-quality flake or pellet should serve as the main diet, supplemented with live or frozen treats. Small prey like Cyclops, daphnia, and brine shrimp are ideal to mimic their natural diet and keep them healthy. It's beneficial to feed them multiple small meals throughout the day to simulate natural foraging behavior and maintain water quality.

Origin

Betta akarensis, commonly known as the Akar betta, originates from the slow-moving rivers and streams of Borneo, particularly in the Sarawak region of Malaysia. These fish thrive in soft, acidic waters with dense vegetation, mimicking their natural environment. The natural habitat often includes submerged plants, leaf litter, and shaded areas, which provide protection and breeding grounds for this species.

Sexing

Male Akar bettas are distinguishable by their extended dorsal and anal fins. They also display a green iridescence on their gill covers, which is absent in females. Females are generally less colorful and lack this shimmering trait, with shorter and less elaborate fins.

Breeding

Betta akarensis are mouth-brooding fish, where the male takes care of the eggs. Softening the water can encourage spawning behavior, with the male performing displays to court the female. After the female lays the eggs, the male collects them into his mouth, where he will incubate them until they hatch, which typically takes around 7-10 days. It’s crucial to remove the female once the male is brooding, as she may cause him to swallow the eggs. After hatching, the fry can be fed with newly hatched brine shrimp or similar tiny live food, which will support their early development.

Compatibility and Tank Mates

Betta akarensis is generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding. They are best kept with other peaceful fish species such as small rasboras, tetras, or bottom-dwellers like corydoras. Avoid fin-nipping species or overly aggressive tank mates to prevent stress. Ensure plenty of plants and hiding spaces to reduce territorial conflicts, and avoid housing multiple males together unless the tank is spacious and well-planted. Suitable plants to provide cover include Java Moss, Anubias, and Java Fern, which are hardy and thrive in low-light conditions that replicate their natural habitat.

Water Conditions and Tank Setup

Akar bettas prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.8 and water hardness of 10-16°N (178.57 - 285.71 ppm). Maintain the temperature between 22 and 28°C (71.6 - 82.4°F). They do well in well-planted tanks with areas of slow water flow, resembling their natural habitat. Ideal plants for this setup include Cryptocoryne, Hornwort, and Amazon Sword, which can tolerate soft, acidic water and provide the dense coverage that Akar bettas favor.

Floating plants like Salvinia or Water Lettuce can also help diffuse lighting and create shaded areas, which help to mimic their natural environment. Regular water changes are necessary to keep water quality high, as Akar bettas are sensitive to poor water conditions. Ensure low flow from filters to avoid stressing these bettas, as they prefer calm waters.

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of Betta akarensis is 2-3 years when cared for in optimal conditions. Maintaining stable water parameters and providing a stress-free environment with appropriate tank mates will contribute to their longevity.

Short Description

Betta akarensis, or Akar betta, is a peaceful species suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive fish. They require high water quality and prefer to be kept in well-planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water. Suitable plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne help replicate their natural environment. Ensure their tank mates are peaceful to avoid stress, and provide them with plenty of hiding spaces to thrive.