Betta Persephone

Betta persephone

Also known as Persephone Betta, Blackwater Betta

Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Osphronemidae

Betta persephone is a stunning wild-type betta species native to Southeast Asia, known for its deep coloration and elaborate finnage. This peaceful mouthbrooder is less aggressive than its domesticated cousins and makes an excellent choice for planted aquariums. Unlike Siamese fighting fish, B. persephone can often be kept in pairs or small groups under proper conditions.

Where it's from

Native to the Semberong river basin

Malaysia

At a glance

Size: 2.5 in; 6 cm
Min tank: 10 gal; 38 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Swims: Top
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Feed small live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp 2-3 times daily. Supplement with high-quality carnivore pellets. Betta persephone are obligate carnivores and require protein-rich diets to maintain coloration and health.

Behavior

Betta persephone are active swimmers that prefer densely planted environments with plenty of hiding spots. Males are territorial but less aggressive than Betta splendens, and pairs may cohabitate with careful observation. They are mouthbrooders that exhibit fascinating parental behavior, with females incubating eggs in their mouths.

Breeding

Breeding is moderately difficult and requires conditioning pairs with live food for 2-3 weeks. Provide a heavily planted 20-gallon breeding tank with low water flow and dim lighting. Females will lay eggs in caves or plant roots, and males will guard the fry after they become free-swimming.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones

good

Otocinclus

Algae eaters that stay on substrate and don't compete for food

good

Amano Shrimp

May be nipped at; only suitable with well-fed bettas

caution

Java Fern

Live plant providing shelter and natural environment

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant creating hiding spots and reducing aggression

excellent

Fits a 10-gallon tank

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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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).