All fish / Osphronemidae

Betta ferox

Betta ferox

Also known as fierce betta, wild betta ferox, ปลากัดป่า, ikan laga liar, ベタ・フェロックス

Betta ferox is a wild fighting fish of the Betta pugnax group, with a sturdy brownish body, iridescent green-blue scale edging and a dark-edged rounded tail. Keepers of wild bettas value it for its natural behaviour and the subtle colours males show when displaying.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Pair, or a small group in a large planted tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small insects, with some quality pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia

Breeding

It is a paternal mouthbrooder: after spawning the male holds the eggs and fry in his mouth for around 10 to 14 days. Breeding is quite achievable in a quiet, dimly lit tank with soft, slightly acidic water, but disturbing the male can make him swallow the brood.

Good to know

Males can squabble, so give plenty of cover and keep a tight lid because wild bettas jump. It looks very much like B. pugnax and related species, so buy from known collection sites to keep lines pure.