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.