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Betta Hendra
Betta hendra
📍 Southeast Asia
Betta hendra is a wild-type betta species native to Southeast Asia, known for its striking coloration and relatively peaceful temperament compared to Siamese fighting fish. This species is suitable for experienced aquarists interested in keeping wild bettas and appreciates heavily planted tanks with minimal water flow. They are smaller than domesticated bettas and display fascinating natural behaviors in properly designed environments.
Care Guide
Diet
Betta hendra are carnivorous and prefer small live foods such as fruit flies, mosquito larvae, and small aquatic invertebrates. Frozen foods like bloodworms and daphnia can supplement their diet. Feed small portions once or twice daily, adjusting quantity based on appetite and tank conditions.
Behavior
Betta hendra are relatively peaceful compared to Betta splendens but may still display territorial aggression toward other males. They are active swimmers that prefer densely planted environments where they can explore and hide. Males may display elaborate fin flaring and color changes during territorial or courtship displays.
Breeding
Breeding Betta hendra is challenging and requires specific conditions including soft, acidic water and plenty of vegetation for nest building. Males build bubble nests and exhibit paternal care. Breeding pairs should be carefully monitored as aggression can occur, and fry require infusoria and micro foods initially.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that occupy different water zones
Bottom dweller that helps with algae and doesn't compete for food
May be nipped at but generally tolerated in larger tanks
Provides essential cover and natural habitat structure
Low-light plant that creates shelter and reduces aggression
Common Diseases
Fin Rot
Fraying or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality, perform frequent water changes, treat with aquarium salt or antibacterial medication if severe
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, scratching against objects, rapid breathing
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), treat with ich medication, increase aeration and perform water changes
Velvet Disease
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, clamped fins, lethargy, difficulty breathing
Darken tank, raise temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), treat with copper-based medication or salt baths
Dropsy
Bloated abdomen, scales standing out, lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate fish, improve water quality, treat with antibiotics, provide high-quality food with added vitamins
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - small live foods and frozen foods
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 6.5 cm (2.5 in)
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- temperament
- semi-aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0-7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 4-8 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)