TankBud

Krataios betta

Betta krataios

Also known as Mighty betta, Blue damsel betta

FreshwaterFish

Krataios betta (Betta krataios)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
4.5–6.5
Adult size
2.2 in
5.5 cm
Minimum tank
14 gal
54 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Mouthbrooder · Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Kapuas basin, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Overview

The Krataios betta is a sturdy little mouthbrooder for a covered tank with plenty of wood and roots. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The Krataios betta's name is the Greek word for mighty or strong. It was given for a stocky, robust build that stands out among the slimmer members of its dimidiata species group.

Caring for the Krataios betta

Keep Krataios bettas as a single pair or a small group in at least 14 gal (54 L), with plenty of cover. Furnish the tank with driftwood, roots and dried leaves, and keep the light dim. A layer of botanicals on the floor keeps the water tinted and the fish at ease. Use a close-fitting lid, as it will jump through any opening.

Give it soft, acidic water with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5, kept warm at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C). Keep the filtration gentle.

It feeds easily for a wild betta, taking live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and small insect larvae. The Krataios betta is mostly peaceful, and rivalry between males shows more in shoving than in damage. Keep it in a species tank or with small, calm fish only, and avoid anything nippy or pushy.

The Krataios betta is a paternal mouthbrooder, and the male incubates the eggs in his mouth for around two weeks. Breeding is hard and needs a settled pair in stable, soft water.

Good to know

Betta krataios belongs to the family Osphronemidae, and Tan and Ng described it in 2006. It is marked by an iridescent blue gill cover.

In the wild

Betta krataios lives in blackwater streams of the Kapuas basin in West Kalimantan, Borneo. The water there is soft and acidic, and darkened by leaf litter.

Common questions

What size tank does a Krataios betta need?

A Krataios betta needs at least 14 gal (54 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Krataios betta need?

A Krataios betta is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 4.5–6.5.

What does a Krataios betta eat?

A Krataios betta feeds easily for a wild betta. It takes live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and small insect larvae.

How big does a Krataios betta get?

An adult Krataios betta reaches about 2.2 in (5.5 cm).

How does a Krataios betta breed?

Krataios bettas are paternal mouthbrooders, with the male incubating the eggs in his mouth for around two weeks. Breeding is hard and needs a settled pair in stable, soft water.

Related species