Betta Coccina

Betta coccina

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Osphronemidae

📍 Sumatra, Malaysia

Betta coccina, the Wine Red Betta, is a small wild betta from blackwater peat swamps with an intense crimson-red body accented by a single iridescent blue-green spot on the flank. A paternal mouthbrooder, it is far less aggressive than B. splendens and can sometimes be maintained in pairs or small groups in very heavily planted species tanks. It demands soft, highly acidic water mimicking its blackwater habitat.

Size1.8"

Min Tank5g

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Wine Red Bettas are strict carnivores requiring live or frozen micro foods as their primary diet. Offer small portions of daphnia, mosquito larvae, and micro pellets once daily, feeding only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional live foods like copepods or infusoria are beneficial for conditioning and natural feeding behavior.

Behavior

Wine Red Bettas are moderately territorial but significantly less aggressive than Siamese Fighting Fish, making them suitable for carefully managed pairs or small groups in heavily planted tanks. They are mid-water swimmers with deliberate, graceful movements and may display elaborate flaring and color intensification during courtship or territorial disputes. Males are more aggressive than females, and successful pairing requires ample space, dense vegetation, and careful observation.

Breeding

Wine Red Bettas are paternal mouthbrooders, a rare and fascinating breeding behavior where males incubate eggs and fry in their mouths. Breeding in captivity is challenging and requires pristine soft, acidic water (pH 4.0–5.5), stable temperatures (26–28°C), and a heavily planted breeding tank with minimal disturbance. Expect 20–50 fry per spawn, though rearing success depends on maintaining ideal water conditions and removing the male after fry become free-swimming.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Small, peaceful algae eaters that thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions and won't compete with bettas for food or territory.

good

Ember Tetra

Tiny, schooling tetras that prefer soft, acidic water and are too small to trigger aggression in Wine Red Bettas.

good

Chili Rasbora

Nano rasboras with identical water parameter requirements (soft, acidic) and peaceful temperament; ideal community members.

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

May be predated upon by bettas, but small shrimp can survive in heavily planted tanks where they have adequate hiding spots.

caution

Ramshorn Snail

Hardy, peaceful snails that help maintain water quality and thrive in soft, acidic conditions without competing with bettas.

good

Least Killifish

Tiny, peaceful killifish that prefer similar soft, acidic blackwater conditions and occupy different water zones.

good

Common Diseases

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed, discolored, or deteriorating fin edges; lethargy; loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain pristine water quality, and consider antibacterial medication (e.g., tetracycline) if condition worsens. Ensure adequate filtration without strong currents.

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28–30°C over 24 hours, perform daily 25% water changes, and treat with aquarium salt (1 tsp per gallon) or ich-specific medication. Maintain treatment for 7–10 days.

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid gill movement, clamped fins, lethargy

Treatment

Increase aeration, perform daily 25% water changes, and treat with copper-free medication or increase temperature to 28–30°C. Dim lighting may help reduce stress.

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen body, torn fins, loss of appetite

Treatment

Maintain pristine water quality with frequent partial water changes, isolate the fish if possible, and treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication. Ensure adequate nutrition to support immune function.