TankBud

Livid betta

Betta livida

Also known as Selangor betta, Red Crimson Betta

FreshwaterFish

Livid betta (Betta livida)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
4.0–6.0
Adult size
1.4 in
3.6 cm
Minimum tank
11 gal
40 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
Bubble nester · Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Endemic to peat swamps and blackwater streams of northern Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia.

Overview

The livid betta is a small red betta for a dim, quiet species tank. It is a betta for experienced keepers.

Did you know

The livid betta's peat swamp home in Selangor has been heavily reduced by development, making wild fish increasingly scarce.

Caring for the livid betta

Keep a single pair of livid bettas in a quiet species tank of at least 11 gal (40 L). Choose a tank with a base of 45 cm. Give them a dim, densely planted blackwater setup with floating plants, leaf litter and driftwood. Fit a tight lid to hold humid air above the water.

Keep the water very soft and acidic, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 4.0 to 6.0. Like other peat swamp fish, the livid betta is sensitive to hard or bright conditions. Feed small live and frozen foods rather than dried food alone.

Males show a red body with a green flank spot and dark fins edged in color. The livid betta is a bubble nester, and breeding it is moderately difficult.

Good to know

Betta livida was described by Ng and Kottelat in 1992. It belongs to the Betta coccina group of small red fighters.

In the wild

Betta livida is found only in the peat swamp forests and blackwater streams of northern Selangor, on Peninsular Malaysia. Its water is extremely soft and acidic, often around pH 4 to 5, and deeply stained with tannins.

Common questions

What size tank does a livid betta need?

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

What temperature and pH does a livid betta need?

A livid betta is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 4.0–6.0.

What does a livid betta eat?

A livid betta should get small live and frozen foods, not dried food alone.

How big does a livid betta get?

An adult livid betta reaches about 1.4 in (3.6 cm).

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

Males have a red body with a green flank spot, and their dark fins are edged in color.

How does a livid betta breed?

The livid betta is a bubble nester. Breeding it is moderately difficult.

Related species