All fish / Osphronemidae

Betta falx

Betta falx

Also known as sickle betta, falx betta, betta sp. jambi, ベタ・ファルクス, cupang falx, 镰刀斗鱼

Betta falx is a small wild betta from the splendens group. Males are reddish brown with iridescent blue-green scales on the gill covers and dark-edged fins, and the species was named for a sickle-shaped red mark on the anal fin. Hobbyists keep it as a gentler, less commonly seen relative of the Siamese fighting fish.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a larger tank

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Sumatra, Indonesia (Jambi province, Batang Hari basin)

Breeding

Males build bubble nests at the surface, often among floating plants, and guard the eggs and fry after a typical embrace spawning. Breeding is fairly easy in soft, slightly acidic water with a tight lid and calm conditions, but the fry need very small foods such as infusoria.

Good to know

Males can still fight one another in small tanks, and the fish will jump, so a tight lid is needed. Do not crossbreed it with Betta splendens or other splendens group species, as this would muddy wild bloodlines.