Edit Betta picta
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Name
Scientific name
Betta picta
Described by
Authority Valenciennes, Year 1846, Bracketed
Family
Osphronemidae
Common names
Spotted Betta
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The spotted betta, Betta picta, is a small paternal mouthbrooding labyrinth fish known only from Java, Indonesia. It lends its name to the …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
50mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5
Hardness
1–5dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Species tank only
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Indonesia, Java, Tuntang
Writing
Etymology
Betta: from ikan betah, the vernacular Malay for species of this genus. picta: from the Latin pictus, meaning 'decorated'.
Distribution
Known only from the island of Java, Indonesia, where it may be endemic to western and central areas. Type locality is 'Buitenzorg, Sadingwetang', the former a …
Habitat
Usually associated with clear, flowing hill streams where it can be found in quiet marginal zones and still pools that typically contain a mixture of leaf litt…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measurements of 60 ∗ 30 cm or equivalent is large enough for a pair or small group.
Maintenance
Can be maintained in a fully-decorated aquarium although many breeders prefer not to use a substrate for ease of maintenance. Driftwood roots and branches can …
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Likely to prey on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in nature. Captive fish will normally accept dried products once they are recognised as edible, but sho…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not recommended for the standard community aquarium. Its care requirements and disposition mean it is best kept alone or with very peaceful species. Some small…
Sexual dimorphism
Mature males have a broader head shape and are more colourful than females, possessing a greater extent of iridescent scaling on the head, body, and unpaired f…
Reproduction
Paternal mouthbrooder. Ideally organise a separate aquarium for breeding purposes, unless the fish are already being maintained alone. The aquarium should have…
Notes
This species lends its name to the Betta picta complex of closely-related species, an assemblage within which members share the following combination of charac…
References
References
8 on this profile