Page 109 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

ANABANTOIDS/BETTAS 107

Betta bellica
Slim Betta

ORIGINS Southeast Asia, where its distribution is
centered on the Malay Peninsula.
SIZE 4 2 in (11 cm).
1⁄
DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
TEMPERAMENT Males only aggressive when breeding.
The Slim Betta shows greenish-blue markings set
against a brownish background. Although
introduced to Europe as far back as 1905,
this species has not become as popular
as the Siamese Fighting Fish
(see pp.104–106). Males can be
identified by their brighter coloration
and longer fins. Slim Bettas are now regarded
as being the same species as the Striped Betta—
a darker blue variant from Sumatra that was
previously known as Betta fasciata. The male Slim
Betta constructs a bubble nest at the surface among
vegetation, so make sure that floating plants are
included in the tank. These bettas occasionally
emerge to rest on the plants, slipping back into the
water if disturbed. The young, which are free-
swimming within three days of hatching, require a
fry food at first. After a similar interval, introduce
brine shrimp to their diet.

Betta coccina Betta imbellis
JAW SHAPE AND BREEDING
Wine-Red Betta Crescent Betta
Head structure is a good guide to breeding
habits in Betta species. The jaws of mouth- ORIGINS Southeast Asia, present on Sumatra and the ORIGINS Southeast Asia, on the Malay Peninsula and
brooders are modified to provide more space southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. nearby islands, notably Phuket and Pinang.
in the oral cavity for the developing brood. As SIZE 2 ⁄2 in (6 cm). SIZE 2 in (5 cm).
1
a result, the head is taller and the jawline less DIET Prepared foods and live foods. DIET Prepared foods and live foods.
rounded, as seen in this Krabi Mouth-Brooder WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft (50 mg/l) WATER Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C); soft
(Betta simplex). Bubble-nesting species have and acidic (pH 5.0–6.0). (50–100 mg/l) and acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
smaller heads, since they simply have to pick TEMPERAMENT Males are aggressive toward each other. TEMPERAMENT Males may fight each other.
up the eggs and transfer them to the nest. The
enlargement of the oral cavity in mouth- Male Crescent Bettas are more colorful than
brooders develops only when the fish become Horizontal striping females, their brownish bodies displaying blue
sexually mature, and it is only seen in the sex hues. There are distinct regional variations, with
that is responsible for brooding the young. fish from Pinang Island being yellowish in color.
Male Male Crescent Bettas are far from docile,
especially when in breeding condition. If well fed,
a pair of these bubble-nesting fish will spawn
several times in quick succession,
Long, tapering
pelvic fins producing as many as 150 eggs
per batch.
The Wine-Red Betta first became available to
hobbyists in the 1980s. The body color that gives
the fish its name is restricted to the male; the
female is decidedly brownish. Males must be kept
individually, to prevent fighting. Water quality is
especially important for the health of this rather Male
delicate species, and peat filtration is advisable. coloration
Up to 60 eggs form the typical brood, and both
parents can be safely left with their young. Long anal fin

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