Dwarf mouthbrooder betta

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Kapuas river basin in West Kalimantan (Borneo). Inhabits shaded small forest streams and swamps, often associated with areas with slightly faster currents than other Bettas, but always among roots and leaf litter.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Betta dimidiata. "Wild" species with incredibly long fins. Dimidiata (from Latin for "halved") refers to its slender profile. Males present extreme thread-like extensions on the pelvic, anal and caudal fins.

Social Behavior: One of the most tolerant and gregarious wild Bettas. Can (and indeed should) be kept in a single-species group. Males develop complex hierarchies but interactions are almost always limited to ritual displays.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males have an iridescent coloration from brown to brick red or purplish, with very evident turquoise/light blue iridescence. Their fins extend far beyond the body. Females are smaller, stockier, beige-brown and with short fins.

Aquarium Setup: Covered aquarium (min. 60 cm / 24 inches for a group). Natural "Blackwater" setup with fine sand, abundance of intertwined bog woods, catappa leaves and mosses. Tolerates a slightly higher water flow than strict swamp Bettas.

Diet and Feeding: Insectivorous carnivore. Feed with a menu of live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, white bloodworms, daphnia. Will gradually accept protein-rich soft dry feeds, but live foods keep coloration high.

Water Quality: Soft water (GH less than 5) and tendentially acidic. Excellent tolerance to slightly cooler temperatures than other labyrinth fish (22-26°C / 71-79°F), but hates the presence of nitrates or pollutants.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent in a dedicated group aquarium. Suitable for cohabitation with Loaches (e.g. Pangio) and peaceful Rasboras (Trigonostigma, Boraras) that do not compete aggressively for food and do not nip their long fins.

Aquarium Reproduction: Mouthbrooder. Mating takes place near the bottom or mid-water; the male incubates the fertilized eggs for 10 to 16 days. Provide numerous hiding places for the male in this critical phase.

Risks and Diseases: Fin rot: due to their extremely extensive delicate fins, they are the first to show signs of tissue deterioration if the chemical or bacteriological quality of the water is not perfect.