Betta Brownorum

Betta brownorum

Also known as Brown's Betta, Scarlet Betta

Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Osphronemidae

Betta brownorum is a peaceful, mouth-brooding wild betta species native to Southeast Asia, making it a fascinating alternative to the aggressive Siamese fighting fish. Unlike their flashy domesticated cousins, these fish display subtle earth-tone coloration and exhibit complex social behaviors in properly sized groups. They are best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide appropriate tank conditions and understand their unique breeding behaviors.

Where it's from

Native to the Rajang river basin

Malaysia

At a glance

Size: 1.5 in; 4 cm
Min tank: 20 gal; 76 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 5.5-6.5
GH: 36–143 ppm; 2–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Top
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Betta brownorum require small live foods such as microworms, daphnia, and small insects to thrive. Supplement with high-quality micropellets designed for small fish. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, as their tiny mouths require appropriately sized food. Live food is essential for conditioning breeding pairs.

Behavior

These are peaceful, social bettas that can be kept in small groups or pairs, unlike their aggressive domesticated relatives. They are bottom-to-middle dwellers that spend time exploring substrate and vegetation. Males exhibit courtship displays and will mouth-brood fry, showing parental care behaviors rarely seen in aquarium bettas.

Breeding

Betta brownorum are mouth-brooders that require soft, acidic water and plenty of plants or caves for spawning sites. Breeding is moderately difficult and requires conditioning pairs on live food and maintaining stable water parameters. Males will incubate eggs and fry in their mouths for 10-14 days before releasing them.

Tank mates

See all 5

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eater that won't compete for food or space

excellent

Ember Tetra

Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that occupy different water zones

good

Pygmy Corydoras

Tiny bottom-dweller that shares peaceful temperament and similar water requirements

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that helps with algae control without competing

good

Java Moss

Provides essential cover and spawning substrate for breeding pairs

excellent

Fits a 20-gallon tank Peaceful

No state or federal restrictions on record.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.

The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).