All fish / Osphronemidae

Persephone Betta

Betta persephone

Also known as persephone betta, black betta persephone, wild betta persephone, ikan laga liar, ベタ・ペルセフォネ, 冥后斗鱼

A tiny wild betta that is velvety black with blue or green iridescent edging on the fins and scales. It is kept by enthusiasts of wild bettas and blackwater biotopes, and also as a way to help conserve a species with a tiny, threatened range.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

3.5 to 6

Smallest tank

30 litres

Keep as

A pair or small group in a species tank

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae and grindal worms

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peninsular Malaysia (Johor), peat swamp forest streams

Breeding

A bubble nest builder; the male guards a small foam nest, often among leaf litter or in a cave, after an embracing spawn. It needs very soft, acidic water and live foods for the fry, so it is challenging but achievable for experienced keepers.

Good to know

Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List because its peat swamp habitat is being cleared, so seek captive-bred stock. Needs very soft, acidic, tannin-stained water, a tight lid and gentle tankmates or none.