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Betta Picta
Betta picta
📍 Southeast Asia
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.
Care Guide
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
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones
Peaceful bottom-dweller that helps with algae control
Peaceful invertebrate that aids in tank maintenance
Peaceful bottom-feeder that coexists well with peaceful bettas
Live plant providing shelter and natural environment enrichment
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, lethargy, rubbing against objects, rapid breathing
Increase water temperature to 28-30 C (82-86 F), perform water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication as directed
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove decaying matter, use antibacterial medication if severe
Mouth Fungus
White cottony growth around mouth area, difficulty eating, behavioral changes
Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, treat with antifungal medication and salt baths
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Gold or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, clamped fins, lethargy
Increase temperature gradually to 28-30 C (82-86 F), reduce light exposure, use copper-free velvet treatment
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Carnivore - small live foods and frozen foods
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
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)