Dimidiata betta

Care at a glance

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.

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