All fish / Osphronemidae

Snakehead Betta

Betta channoides

Also known as snakehead betta, pewter betta, channoides betta, red snakehead betta, betta chanoides, ベタ・チャンノイデス, cupang channoides, 蛇头斗鱼

A small wild betta with a broad, snakehead-like head; males are a rich reddish orange with white-edged dorsal, anal and tail fins, while females are paler. It is kept by enthusiasts of wild bettas for its strong colour and interesting mouthbrooding behaviour in a modest, dimly lit, soft-water tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a larger tank with plenty of cover

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small insects

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Indonesia: Mahakam River basin, East Kalimantan, Borneo

Breeding

A paternal mouthbrooder: after an embrace the male carries the eggs and fry in his mouth for around 10 to 14 days. It breeds fairly readily in soft, acidic water if the pair is left undisturbed with good cover.

Good to know

Needs a tight lid as it jumps, and males can quarrel, so give space and hiding places. Wild habitat is restricted and threatened, so captive-bred stock is preferable.