All fish / Osphronemidae

Ocellated Betta

Betta ocellata

Also known as ocellated betta, eyespot betta, sabah betta, wild betta ocellata, ikan laga liar, ベタ・オセラータ, cupang ocellata, 眼斑斗鱼

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A robust wild betta from the unichanica group, with a brownish body, iridescent green scales on the gill covers and a dark eyespot near the tail base in many fish. It is kept by wild betta enthusiasts for its calm nature and subtle, shimmering colours.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a larger tank

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia, and adjacent Kalimantan, Indonesia)

Breeding

A paternal mouthbrooder: the male holds the eggs and fry in his mouth for around two weeks. Breeding is achievable in a quiet, well-covered tank with soft water and few disturbances.

Good to know

Often confused with Betta unimaculata, and older trade stock may be mislabelled. Keep the tank tightly covered as these bettas jump well.