Wine-red Betta

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra (Indonesia). Inhabits highly acidic peat swamps (often pH below 4.0), pools and small streams within rainforests, in zones of impenetrable shade.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Scarlet Betta (Betta coccina). Type species of the "coccina" group of wild Bettas. Torpedo body, very elongated and thin, adapted to move fluidly through the tangled debris of the shallows.

Social Behavior: Rather shy but males are territorial and can be intolerant of each other in confined spaces. It is recommended to keep them in pairs. They form territories limited to an area with vegetation or a leaf.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Breathtaking coloration: males show a scarlet or deep wine red body and fins (coccina). Often exhibit a dark iridescent spot (green/blue) on the flanks. Females are less red, tending towards brown, often with vertical stress bars.

Aquarium Setup: Nano aquarium (40 cm / 16 inches) for a pair. It is essential to recreate a "Blackwater" environment densely planted (moss, Cryptocoryne) and rich in hiding places created with PVC pipes, half coconuts, almond leaves.

Diet and Feeding: Microscopic predator. Requires a diet almost exclusively based on live food (brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, tubifex). Almost always avoids dry flakes and granules.

Water Quality: Extremely demanding: the water must be soft (KH almost 0) and markedly acidic. Variations in parameters or high nitrates cause rapid deterioration.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Strongly discouraged in a community aquarium. If necessary, combine it only with very calm small cyprinid fish that inhabit the surface or with very small Boraras.

Aquarium Reproduction: Submerged bubble nester. Builds the nest under large leaves or cavities. The male takes care of the nest and fertilized eggs, chasing the female away after mating.

Risks and Diseases: Very susceptible to mycobacteria (fish tuberculosis) and fungal infections if the hygienic and chemical conditions of the water deteriorate even slightly. Sensitive to cold.