All fish / Osphronemidae

Betta cracens

Betta cracens

Also known as slender betta, cracens betta, wild betta cracens, ปลากัดป่า, ベタ・クラセンス

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Betta cracens is a small, slim wild fighting fish from the splendens group, with males showing deep red to brown bodies, iridescent blue-green scales and red-edged fins. Hobbyists keep it as a natural, less commonly seen alternative to domestic bettas, and it suits a quiet, dimly lit planted tank with leaf litter.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Single pair, or one male with females in a larger tank

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and mosquito larvae, plus good quality small pellets

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Thailand (Narathiwat area, peat swamp forests)

Breeding

Males build bubble nests at the surface, often among floating plants, and guard the eggs and fry after spawning. Breeding is fairly straightforward in soft, acidic, warm water with calm surface conditions, and the tiny fry need infusoria first, followed by newly hatched brine shrimp.

Good to know

Males fight one another, so keep only one male per tank, and use a tight lid because they jump. Hybridisation with Betta splendens and its relatives is possible, so keep wild species apart to protect pure lines.