All fish / Osphronemidae

Spotted Betta

Betta unimaculata

Also known as one spot betta, unimaculata betta, wild betta unimaculata, mouthbrooding betta, betta unimac, ปลากัดยูนิ, ikan pelaga, ベタ・ユニマクラータ, cupang unimaculata, 单斑斗鱼

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A large, sturdy wild betta with a long head and a brownish body that shows metallic green to turquoise scales, plus a dark spot near the tail base in many fish. It is kept by wild betta enthusiasts for its hardiness, interesting behaviour and subtle iridescent colour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

A pair or a single fish

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, small insects and quality pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Borneo: Sabah (Malaysia), East Kalimantan (Indonesia) and Brunei

Breeding

A paternal mouthbrooder: the male holds the eggs and fry in his mouth for around two weeks. It breeds fairly readily in a quiet, well-covered tank if the pair is compatible.

Good to know

Males can be quarrelsome with each other and it will eat very small tankmates; the tank needs a tight lid as it is a skilled jumper. Several regional forms exist and should not be mixed when breeding.