TankBud

Chukai betta

Betta tussyae

Also known as Red Spark Betta

FreshwaterFish

Chukai betta (Betta tussyae)
DefenderRegina · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
5.0–6.5
Adult size
1.6 in
4 cm
Minimum tank
11 gal
40 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Bubble nester
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Malaysia

Overview

The Chukai betta is a small, peaceful but territorial betta for a dim, planted species tank. It is best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

Like its relatives, the Chukai betta breathes air through a labyrinth organ.

Caring for the Chukai betta

Keep the Chukai betta as a single fish or a carefully watched pair, since it is solitary and territorial. It needs at least 11 gal (40 L), kept dim and well planted with floating cover. A lid is a must, because these fish are good at jumping.

Give it very soft, acidic water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Leaf litter and botanicals help recreate the water of its peat swamp home. It feeds on small invertebrates, so offer small live and frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworms, along with quality micro pellets.

The Chukai betta is peaceful and holds the middle of the tank. Tank mates are risky, though, so a species setup is the safe choice.

Males show more color than females. Despite his small size, the male takes on full parental duty at a bubble nest. He builds the nest at the surface and tends the eggs and fry until they swim out on their own.

Good to know

Betta tussyae belongs to the family Osphronemidae, and it is also sold as the red spark betta. Habitat loss from deforestation and peat swamp drainage has put pressure on wild populations.

In the wild

The Chukai betta lives in the peat swamp forests of Malaysia. The water there is shaded and slow, stained dark by tannins, and very soft and acidic.

Common questions

What size tank does a Chukai betta need?

A Chukai betta needs at least 11 gal (40 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Chukai betta need?

A Chukai betta is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 5.0–6.5.

What does a Chukai betta eat?

A Chukai betta feeds on small invertebrates. Offer it small live and frozen foods such as daphnia and bloodworms, along with quality micro pellets.

How big does a Chukai betta get?

An adult Chukai betta reaches about 1.6 in (4 cm).

How can you tell a male Chukai betta from a female?

Males show more color than the females.

How does a Chukai betta breed?

A Chukai betta breeds at a bubble nest. The male builds it at the surface and tends the eggs and fry alone until they swim out on their own.

Related species