Forest betta - Betta pugnax

Scientific name: Betta pugnax

Common name: Forest 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: 5.9 - 6.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°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

Forest bettas will accept all foods offered. Quality flake should provide the staple diet but they do need supplements of live or frozen foods to give them a varied intake.

Origin

Asia; Forest bettas are to be found in Malaysia and Singapore.

Sexing

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

Breeding

Forest Betta is a mouth brooding species. The male and female will embrace together at the bottom of the tank and when the eggs are laid both parents will collect them. The female will then pass her eggs over to the male. When the fry are released, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

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

Short description

Forest bettas should be kept in a well planted tank with floating plants and subdued lighting. They can be kept as groups, this includes several males together. Hiding places should be provided to give the females the chance to escape some of the aggression when they are mating.

Picture

Thanks to Jan Wirén for the picture. Other pictures were bought from jjphoto.dk.