Brunei Beauty (Betta macrostoma)

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Brunei Beauty

Betta macrostoma.jpg
Brunei Beauty

Betta macrostoma

114 Litres (30 US G.)

10-11 cm (3.9-4.3")

sg

Freshwater

pH

4 - 7

24 -26 °C (75.2-78.8°F)

0-10 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods
Other (See article)

3-5 years

Family

Osphronemidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Brunei Beauty, Spotfin Betta


Origin

Asia: Borneo. They are found only in Brunei Darussalum and northern Sarawak; as collecting the fish in Brunei is banned, most of the fish in the hobby hail from Sarawak.


Sexing

Males are far more vivid in color and have larger mouths than females. These are mouth-brooding Bettas, with the male holding the eggs for several weeks before releasing a small number of relatively large fry. Males of this species are notorious for swallowing broods when stressed, so sudden movements should be kept to a minimum after they have spawned.


Tank compatibility

Not an ideal community inhabitant due to its rarity. Small fish will be eaten by these rather large bettas. Attempting to keep more than a pair in most tanks usually results in the males fighting incessantly; even females will fight vigorously until a hierarchy is established.


Diet

Will accept most foods including pellet, flake, bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. May or may not wean on to dried foods.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day. As with all bettas, a weekly fast is recommended to prevent obesity.


Environment specifics

Requires a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places. Does not appreciate a strong current. Substrate preferred should be as close to their natural habitat as possible with gravel and leaf litter, together with bogwood and stone décor; as they need soft, acidic conditions, shells, limestone, or other ph-raising decor should be avoided. Needs a tight, heavy lid, as this betta is a powerful jumper and can dislodge light lids due to its size and strength.


Behaviour

See above with tank compatibility. Somewhat shy.


Identification

The male is highly unlikely to be confused with any other fish; he is vivid red in colour with a black, yellow and red banded caudal fin. The dorsal fin is speckled with white spots. He has a black vertical black band behind the gill plate and a black jaw. The female is much paler in color, often with two black horizontal lines running the length of the body; these will be more apparent when the fish is stressed.

Notes

This species is quite expensive; it is not uncommon for spawning pairs to go for $150 or more, even before shipping. Coupled with the fact that this is not one of the hardier wild bettas, these are not good beginner's fish.

Pictures

External links