Falx betta

Care at a glance

Overview

The Falx betta is a small, mostly peaceful betta for a dim, densely planted tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Caring for the Falx betta

A pair or small group of Falx bettas settles well in at least 16 gal (60 L), with a base of 60 cm. Give them a dim tank with driftwood, leaves, dense planting and plenty of cover. Keep a tight lid on top.

Soft, acidic, mineral-poor water keeps Falx bettas in good health. Hold it at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.0 to 6.8. Feed small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, artemia and bloodworm.

Falx bettas are mostly peaceful and swim in the middle of the tank. Keep them in a species tank or with small, peaceful fish.

They are paternal mouthbrooders, and the male broods the eggs in his mouth for roughly 9 to 12 days. Breeding them is a moderate challenge.

Good to know

The Falx betta was described by Tan and Kottelat in 1998. It belongs to the Betta picta complex in the family Osphronemidae. It is also sold as the sickle betta or red skirt betta.

In the wild

The Falx betta is found only on Sumatra, Indonesia, in shaded forest swamp streams and pools. The water is soft, acidic and stained by tannins, and submerged roots and leaf litter cover the bottom.

Common questions

Related species

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  Foersch's betta

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  Prima betta

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