Wine red betta
Betta tussyae
A rare wild betta belonging to the B. coccina complex, with a deep wine-red livery and iridescent green-blue spots. Native to the peat bogs and blackwater streams of eastern Peninsular Malaysia, it is among the smallest bettas (3–3.7 cm) and the most demanding in terms of water: pH 3.0–6.0, near-zero hardness. In dark tanks with tea-colored water and leaf litter, its colors emerge with surprising depth. Short-lived (2–3 years) but accessible breeding. Watch for obesity — do not overfeed. Exclusively for species-only tanks.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 27 °C
pH-Wert
4 - 5.5
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten und in der Mitte
Erwachsenengröße
4,5 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 30 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 2
GH
1 - 5 dGH
KH
1 - 2 dKH
TDS
25 - 95 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
39 - 148 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to a very restricted area in the state of Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Exclusive to extremely acidic coastal peat swamps (blackwater), among leaf litter and submerged branches in areas shaded by palms.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Tussyae Betta (Betta tussyae). Part of the "coccina" group. A tiny dark-red torpedo-shaped Betta, incredibly thin. Its fins are tapered, adapted to slip into narrow recesses between leaves and rotting wood.
Social Behavior: Shy and elusive, but males develop micro-territories. They can cohabit in small groups if the aquarium offers extreme structural complexity (hiding places for everyone). They interact almost only through quick ritual displays.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Dull wine red or burnt brown color. Adult males in good condition show a brighter red on the fins with bluish reflections and iridescent margins and often a green spot on the flank. Females tending towards brown, often with stress bars.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Specialized "Species-Only" tank (minimum 40 cm / 16 inches). Decor MUST consist of a thick, soft bed of dry leaves (Catappa, Oak), twigs and tubes. Almost zero filtration (weak sponge filter) and dim light.
Diet and Feeding: Micro-predator. Feeds by rummaging through debris in search of microorganisms. It is essential to provide live food (microworms, brine shrimp nauplii) or fine frozen food (white bloodworms). Almost always ignores dry food.
Water Quality: Extreme "Blackwater" water: pH between 4.0 and 5.5 and mineral hardness practically at zero. Water deterioration or an increase in pH to neutral values causes immediate lethargy and loss of coloration.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Given the very small size and extreme water conditions, it is NOT suitable for any community. It cohabits peacefully only with its conspecifics or at most with very small Boraras or Parosphromenus that share its extreme habitat.
Aquarium Breeding: Submerged bubble nester. Prefers to build fragile nests inside crevices, closed PVC pipes or under broad leaves laid on the bottom. Eggs and larvae are tiny and require infusoria and paramecia.
Risks and Diseases: Very high risk of extinction (IUCN: Endangered) due to the systematic destruction of peat bogs in Malaysia to make way for palm oil plantations. In the aquarium it fears thermal shocks and is prone to fungal infections.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Endemic to a very restricted area in the state of Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Exclusive to extremely acidic coastal peat swamps (blackwater), among leaf litter and submerged branches in areas shaded by palms.
Ursprung
Süd- und SüdostasienOstasien
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Betta tussyae is a relatively peaceful and shy species, especially compared to the domesticated Betta splendens. Males will establish small territories and may show mild aggression or display behavior towards other males, but serious fights are rare. They do best in a quiet, dimly-lit aquarium where they can hide and feel secure.
- Diät
- Carnivore
- As obligate carnivores, Betta tussyae primarily feeds on small aquatic insects, larvae, and micro-crustaceans in the wild. In the aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of live or frozen foods such as daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms. While some specimens can adapt to high-quality dry micro-pellets, they usually prefer and thrive on live foods.
- Lebenserwartung
- 3-5 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 4.5 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- 1:1 ratio
- Betta tussyae is best kept in pairs (one male and one female) in smaller aquariums. In larger tanks with plenty of cover, they can be kept in small groups or harems with a ratio of one male to multiple females. Males are territorial but generally more tolerant of each other and females than other betta species if sufficient space is provided.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Betta tussyae once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume within a few minutes. Because of their small stomach capacity, overfeeding must be avoided as it can cause bloating and degrade the water quality. A weekly fasting day can also help support their digestive health.
- Bioload
- Low
- Betta tussyae has a low bioload because of its small size (maximum 5.5 cm) and minimal waste production. However, it requires highly stable and pristine water conditions to avoid disease. Gentle filtration, such as a sponge filter, is ideal to provide biological filtration without generating strong currents.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- This species prefers weak or virtually non-existent water flow, matching their natural blackwater peat swamp habitats. Strong currents cause extreme stress, exhaust the fish, and inhibit their natural behavior. The use of sponge filters or baffled filter outlets is highly recommended to keep the water calm.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- There is a very high risk of jumping with Betta tussyae, as wild bettas are agile and easily capable of leaping from the tank. A tightly-fitting lid is absolutely essential, covering even the smallest gaps around filter pipes and cables. Leaving a small air space between the water surface and the cover allows them to breathe atmospheric air safely.
- Reproduktion
- Bubble nest builder
- Betta tussyae is a bubble-nest builder, and reproduction is moderately easy to achieve if provided with acidic (pH 4.0-5.0) and very soft water. The male builds a small bubble nest, often underneath floating plants or inside canisters. After spawning, the male guards the eggs and fry, but it is best to remove the parents once the fry are free-swimming.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Aggressive
- They are best kept in a species-specific setup or paired arrangement. If housed in a community tank, they should only be kept with very small, peaceful, and non-aggressive species that thrive in soft, acidic water, such as micro-rasboras or small corydoras. Overly active or aggressive tank mates will outcompete them for food and cause severe stress.
- Tankfüllstand
- Middle/Bottom
- This species primarily occupies the bottom and middle zones of the aquarium, swimming through leaf litter, roots, and dense live plants. However, as labyrinth breathers, they must have unobstructed access to the surface. They will regularly visit the top levels to breathe atmospheric air or hunt for food.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 3,1 ± 0,4 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Hoch (weniger als 15 Monate)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.01, b = 2.97
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
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