Slender betta - Betta bellica

Scientific name: Betta bellica

Common name: Slender betta

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 30 °C (75.2 - 86°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: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Quality flake should provide the staple diet. The feeds should be varied by treating them with live or frozen foods, blood worms and brine shrimp are ideal.

Origin

Asia; Slender bettas are to be found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sumatra.

Sexing

Males tend to be larger and more colourful than the females.

Breeding

This species of Betta is a bubble nest builder. He will build his nest at the water surface and invite the female to it. When she has laid her eggs, the male will take on all parental duties. It may be advisable to remove the female as she could get injured by the male defending his nest. When the fry are free swimming, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

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

Short description

Keep Slender bettas in a well planted tank, if the tank is too small, they may not display their full colours. Hiding places should also be added to make them feel at ease.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.