Wine red betta - Betta coccina

Scientific name: Betta coccina

Common name: Wine red betta

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 4.5 - 6

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 6°N (0 - 107.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful to males

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Although Wine red bettas will accept quality flake, they much prefer a diet of live or frozen foods. White worms and brine shrimp are ideal.

Origin

Asia; Wine red bettas are found in Malaysia and Sumatra.

Sexing

Although both sexes can reach the same length, the males will have a fuller body shape. They will also display white dots on their caudal fins Young males will display a bright blue mark on their side but this will disappear with age.

Breeding

Wine red bettas are a very difficult species to breed. It is best to purchase a group of fish and let them pair themselves. Only place one of the breeding pairs into your breeding tank as any of the other fish will postpone the spawning. Add some floating plants and a few hiding places for the female in case she needs to rest. The male will build a bubble nest for the spawning and when the mating is complete, the eggs will be placed inside it. Remove the female at this stage. The eggs should hatch after 36 hours and the fry when free swimming can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Betta coccina is 3-5 years.

Short description

Although this species is not classed as a peaceful one, several males can be kept together. Hiding places must be provided in the tank as they can be a shy fish at times.

Pictures

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