All fish / Osphronemidae

Kuehne's Betta

Betta kuehnei

Also known as kuehnei betta, kuhne's betta, kuehne betta, wild betta kuehnei, pugnax group betta, ปลากัดป่า, ikan laga liar, ベタ・クエネイ, 屈氏斗鱼

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Betta kuehnei is a wild fighting fish from the Betta pugnax group, with a stocky brownish body, iridescent green or turquoise scales on the gill covers and fins, and dark-edged unpaired fins in males. Keepers of wild bettas like it for its subtle colouring, calm nature and interesting paternal mouthbrooding behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 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; good flakes may be accepted

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan, Terengganu)

Breeding

It is a paternal mouthbrooder: after spawning the male holds the eggs and fry in his mouth for about one to two weeks. Breeding is fairly achievable in a quiet, well-covered tank with soft, slightly acidic water and few disturbances.

Good to know

Keep the tank tightly covered as it can jump, and avoid boisterous tankmates. It is easily confused with Betta pugnax and other pugnax-group species, so buy from sources that state the collection locality.