Betta Picta

Betta picta

Also known as Painted Betta, Javan Mouthbrooder

Animalia›Chordata›Perciformes›Osphronemidae

Betta picta is a peaceful, mouth-brooding betta species native to Southeast Asia, making it a fascinating alternative to the aggressive Siamese fighting fish. Unlike their aggressive cousins, these bettas are social and can be kept in small groups or pairs in larger aquariums. They display beautiful iridescent coloring and interesting breeding behaviors, making them a rewarding choice for experienced aquarists.

Where it's from

Native to the Johore river basin

Malaysia

At a glance

Size: 3.5 in; 9 cm
Min tank: 20 gal; 76 L
Temp: 75–82°F; 24–28°C
pH: 6.0-7.0
GH: 71–143 ppm; 4–8 dGH
Temperament: Peaceful
Swims: Top
Lifespan: 3-5 yrs

Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.

Care

Diet

Betta picta are carnivorous and prefer small live foods such as daphnia, mosquito larvae, and small insects. Supplement with high-quality frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, adjusting quantity based on appetite and tank conditions.

Behavior

Betta picta are peaceful, social fish that exhibit interesting mouth-brooding behavior where males incubate eggs in their mouths. They are active swimmers that occupy all water zones and display curious, interactive behavior with their environment. Unlike aggressive bettas, they can coexist peacefully with compatible tank mates and show minimal territorial aggression.

Breeding

Breeding Betta picta requires patience and proper conditioning with high-quality foods. Males will construct bubble nests and court females with elaborate displays. After spawning, the male mouth-broods the eggs for 10-14 days before releasing fully-formed fry. Provide a separate breeding tank with dense vegetation and calm conditions for best results.

Tank mates

See all 5

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones

good

Otocinclus

Peaceful bottom-dweller that helps with algae control

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that aids in tank maintenance

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Peaceful bottom-feeder that coexists well with peaceful bettas

excellent

Java Fern

Live plant providing shelter and natural environment enrichment

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Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date.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