Edit Betta simplex

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Name

Scientific name

Betta simplex

Described by

Authority Kottelat, Year 1994

Family

Osphronemidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 11 credited

Summary

Betta simplex is a mouthbrooding labyrinth fish known only from Krabi province in southern (peninsular) Thailand. Its habitats lie in a kar…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

60mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 20–28°C, pH 7–8

Hardness

3–12dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Species tank only

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Thailand

Writing

Etymology

Betta: from ikan betah, the vernacular Malay for species of this genus. simplex: from the Latin simplex, meaning 'simple, plain'.

Distribution

Known only from Krabi province, southern (peninsular) Thailand. Several populations exist, including one close to Ao Luek that has appeared in the aquarium hob…

Habitat

This species' habitats are located in a karstic area and contain neutral to alkaline water with a pH of 7.0-7.4. The type locality consists of a series of deep…

Aquarium size

An aquarium with base measurements of 60 ∗ 30 cm should be the minimum considered but is suitable for a pair or small group.

Maintenance

This species does best in a well-planted, shady aquarium with plenty of surface cover in the form of tall stem plants, floating types such as Salvinia or Ricci…

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

Males grow larger, possess a greater extent of iridescent scaling on the head, a broader head shape, and more extended fins than females.

Reproduction

Paternal mouthbrooder. Ideally organise a separate aquarium for breeding purposes, unless the fish are already being maintained alone. The aquarium should have…

Paternal mouthbrooder. Ideally organise a separate aquarium for breeding purposes, unless the fish are already being maintained alone.

The aquarium should have the tightest-fitting cover possible (some breeders use clingfilm/plastic wrap) because the fry need access to a layer of warm, humid air without which development of the labyrinth organ can be impaired.

Following a protracted courtship, eggs and milt are released during an 'embrace' typical of osphronemids, with the male wrapped around the female. Several 'dummy' embraces may be required before spawning commences.

Fertilised eggs are caught on the anal fin of the male then picked up in the mouth of the female before being spat out into the water for the male to catch. Once the male has all the eggs in his mouth the process is repeated until the female is spent of eggs, a process which can take some time.

A brooding male may swallow or release the eggs prematurely if stressed or inexperienced, so it is preferable to leave the female and any other fishes in situ. The incubation period is 9-16 days, after which the male will begin to release free-swimming fry. Apparently the adults do not harm them and some breeders have reported them to develop at a faster rate when left with the parents.

The fry are large enough to accept motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii immediately, though it should be noted that there exist reports of young Betta developing health issues if fed excessive amounts of the latter. Water changes should be small and regular rather than large and intermittent.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

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Year

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Notes

B. simplex is included in the Betta picta group/complex of closely-related species within the genus, an assemblage comprising species with the following shared…

References

6 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References