All fish / Osphronemidae

Dwarf Mouthbrooding Betta

Betta dimidiata

Also known as dwarf mouthbrooder betta, betta dimidiata, dimidiata betta, wild betta dimidiata, ベタ・ディミディアータ, cupang dimidiata, 迪米迪亚塔斗鱼

A small, slim wild betta from Borneo with a reddish brown body, dark scale edges and fins edged in pale blue or white, most striking in mature males. It is kept by enthusiasts of wild bettas for its calm nature and interesting paternal mouthbrooding.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

4.5 to 6.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

A pair or small group in a well planted tank

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Borneo: Kapuas basin, West and Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Breeding

The male incubates the eggs in his mouth for around 10 to 14 days after an embrace beneath the surface. Breeding is fairly achievable in soft, acidic, quiet water with few disturbances, though stressed males may swallow the brood.

Good to know

Needs soft, acidic water, a tight lid and dim, leafy cover; avoid boisterous tankmates. It can be confused with other small mouthbrooding bettas, so buy from sources that state the collection locality.