TankBud

Dimidiata betta

Betta dimidiata

Also known as Blue Firefly Betta

FreshwaterFish

Dimidiata betta (Betta dimidiata)
R.J. Blach · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
5.5–6.5
Adult size
1.6 in
4 cm
Minimum tank
12 gal
45 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Endemic to the upper Kapuas drainage and Danau Sentarum lakes of West Kalimantan, Borneo, in shaded forest swamp streams.

Overview

A pair fits in about 45 liters with a base of 45 cm, soft acidic water at pH 5.5 to 6.5, and 22 to 27 C. Keep a tight lid and good cover. Feed small live and frozen foods, and avoid overfeeding since this species tends to gain weight easily. Best kept alone or with small, calm companions.

In the wild

Betta dimidiata is a slender mouthbrooder from shaded swamp streams and pools of the upper Kapuas system. The water is soft and acidic with abundant leaf litter and wood. It appreciates a dim tank with plenty of cover and gentle flow. Males become brightly colored once settled in.

Good to know

Described by Roberts in 1989, it heads the Betta dimidiata group, marked by an elongate body, extended fins in males, and dark vertical bars. It is a paternal mouthbrooder. The name dimidiata refers to its halved or divided color pattern.

Did you know

Male Betta dimidiata develop long, flowing fins and bold barring, unusual for such a small mouthbrooding betta.

Common questions

What size tank does a Dimidiata betta need?

A Dimidiata betta needs at least 12 gal (45 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Dimidiata betta need?

A Dimidiata betta is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–6.5.

How big does a Dimidiata betta get?

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

Related species