All fish / Osphronemidae

Betta pi

Betta pi

Also known as pi betta, wild betta pi, mouthbrooding betta, ปลากัดปี, ikan pelaga liar, ベタ・ピ, cupang pi, 派斗鱼

Betta pi is one of the larger wild bettas, a sturdy reddish brown fish with a dark marking on the throat shaped a little like the Greek letter pi, which gives it its name. It is kept by wild betta enthusiasts who enjoy a calm, characterful fish that suits a dim, leaf littered blackwater set-up.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

4 to 6.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

A pair or small group in a well planted tank

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, insect larvae and quality pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia (peat swamp forests)

Breeding

It is a paternal mouthbrooder: after an embrace the female collects the eggs and passes them to the male, who holds them for around two weeks. Breeding is achievable in soft, acidic water with a settled pair and plenty of cover, though stressed males may swallow the brood.

Good to know

Needs soft, acidic, very clean water and a tight fitting lid, as it can jump. Easily confused with related mouthbrooders in the Betta pugnax and Betta waseri groups, so buy from sellers who know the collection locality.