All fish / Osphronemidae

Leopard Betta

Betta pardalotos

Also known as leopard betta, pardalotos betta, wild betta pardalotos, ベタ・パルダロトス, cupang pardalotos, 豹纹斗鱼

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A wild betta from blackwater peat swamp streams in Sumatra, with a brown body that carries rows of dark, leopard-like spots and greenish iridescent scales on the gill covers. It is kept by wild betta enthusiasts for its unusual pattern and calm nature compared with the domestic Siamese fighter.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

4 to 6.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a larger tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and small insects

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Indonesia: Sumatra (Jambi Province, Batang Hari basin)

Breeding

It is a paternal mouthbrooder in the Betta waseri group; the male holds the eggs and fry in his mouth for around two weeks. Spawning is achievable in soft, acidic water with a settled pair and minimal disturbance, but it is less often bred than common wild bettas.

Good to know

Needs very soft, acidic blackwater with a tight-fitting lid, as bettas jump. Its wild habitat is threatened by peat swamp clearance, so captive-bred stock is preferable.