Betta balunga - Betta balunga

Scientific name: Betta balunga

Common name: Betta balunga

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 14 cm (3.54 - 5.51 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.2 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 16°N (142.86 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°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: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Quality flake should be used for the staple diet. Betta balunga will also require live or frozen foods, blood worms, daphnia and white worms are ideal.

Origin

Asia; Betta balunga are to be found in Borneo.

Sexing

Males will display much more colour than the females, their fins will also be extended.

Breeding

The male and female will do a ritual embrace near the substrate of the tank and the eggs will be laid on the surface. The eggs will be scooped up by the female and the male, but she will spit out her eggs so that the male can catch them. The male will now continue with the brooding and the female will take no further interest. When the fry are released, they can be fed on crushed flake or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Betta balunga is 2-3 years.

Short description

It is best to keep these fish in a well planted tank with subdued lighting and the addition of extra floating plants. Betta balunga can be kept in groups and even in a community tank as they are classed as a peaceful species.