All fish / Osphronemidae

Mandor Betta

Betta mandor

Also known as mandor betta, betta mandor, mandor fighting fish, ikan laga mandor, ベタ・マンドール, cupang mandor, 曼多尔斗鱼

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Betta mandor is a small wild betta from the Betta coccina group, with a slim reddish-brown body and blue-green shine on the gill covers and fins, which is strongest in males. Keepers of wild bettas value it for its subtle colours, quiet behaviour and its links to rare peat swamp habitats.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

4 to 6.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

A pair or a small group in a well-planted tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small insects, with some good-quality granules

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Indonesia: West Kalimantan (Borneo), Mandor area

Breeding

Males build bubble nests, often hidden among plants or in a cave, and guard the eggs and fry. Breeding is possible in soft, acidic, tannin-stained water with calm surroundings, but numbers of fry are low.

Good to know

Needs very soft, acidic blackwater and a tight-fitting lid because it can jump, and it does poorly in hard water. Wild habitat is under threat, and it is easily confused with relatives such as Betta coccina and Betta livida.