All fish / Osphronemidae

Waser's Betta

Betta waseri

Also known as waseri betta, wild betta waseri, betta waseri pahang, mouthbrooding betta, ikan laga waseri, ベタ・ワセリ, cupang waseri, 瓦氏斗鱼

A fairly large wild betta from blackwater peat swamp forest streams, with a stocky brown body, a greenish iridescent sheen on the gill covers and dark throat markings. Keepers value it as one of the bigger mouthbrooding bettas, showing subtle colour and interesting pair behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

4 to 6.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

A pair, or a small group in a large tank

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang, Johor) and Sumatra, Indonesia

Breeding

The male broods the eggs in his mouth for around two to three weeks after an embrace beneath the surface, and the female helps by collecting eggs. Spawning is achievable in soft, acidic, quiet water, but stressed males often swallow the brood.

Good to know

Needs very soft, acidic, tannin-stained water and a tightly fitting lid, as it jumps well. Easily confused with other species in the Betta waseri group such as B. hipposideros and B. spilotogena, so buy fish with a known collection locality.