Edit Betta prima
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Name
Scientific name
Betta prima
Described by
Authority Kottelat, Year 1994
Family
Osphronemidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 13 credited
Summary
Betta prima is a paternal mouthbrooding labyrinth fish from south-eastern Thailand and the Mekong basin in Cambodia and Laos. Before its de…
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 23–27°C, pH 4–7
Hardness
0–10dGH
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
Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Mekong
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
This species has been collected at numerous localities in south-eastern Thailand and from parts of the Mekong basin in Cambodia, Laos, plus the delta region an…
Habitat
Inhabits forest swamps and streams containing clear water, which may be still, slow-moving or flowing swiftly depending on locality and in some cases time of y…
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
Temperature: 23 – 27 °C pH: Values over the range 4.0 – 7.0 have been recorded in its natural waters. Hardness: 0 – 10 dGH
Diet
Likely to prey on insects and other small invertebrates/zooplankton in nature. Captive fish will normally accept dried products once they're recognised as edib…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not recommended for the standard community set-up for reasons already touched upon. It's requirements and disposition mean it's best kept alone or with very pe…
Sexual dimorphism
Males grow larger, possess a greater amount of iridescent scaling on the head, a broader head shape, and more extended fins than females.
Reproduction
Paternal mouthbrooder. Ideally organise a separate tank for breeding purposes, unless the fish are already being maintained alone, setting this up as suggested…
Notes
Prior to description this species was widely misidentified as Betta pugnax or B. taeniata. It's included in the B. pugnax complex of closely-related species wi…
References
References
4 on this profile