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Eyespot betta

Betta ocellata

Also known as Betta ocellata, Ocellated betta

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
70–77°F (21–25°C)
pH
5.5–7.5
Adult size
3.5 in (9 cm)
Minimum tank
24 gal (90 L)
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Native to Sabah and the northern tip of East Kalimantan on Borneo, in varied streams, pools, and ox bow lakes.
Family
Osphronemidae

Overview

Adults reach around 9 cm, so give a pair at least 90 liters with a base of 80 cm and a very tight lid. Keep water soft to medium and slightly acidic to neutral, pH 5.5 to 7.5, at a cool 21 to 25 C. Feed meaty live and frozen foods and expect it to eat small tankmates. Best kept alone or with robust, similar sized fish.

In the wild

Betta ocellata is a large mouthbrooder found across a range of habitats in northern Borneo, from clear streams to quiet ponds. The water is generally soft to medium and slightly acidic to neutral. It is an adaptable but predatory fish that needs room and a covered surface. Cooler water around 21 to 25 C suits its stream origins.

Good to know

Described by de Beaufort in 1933, it belongs to the Betta unimaculata complex of large mouthbrooders. It is a paternal mouthbrooder. The name ocellata refers to an eye like spot, an ocellus, on the body.

Did you know

The name ocellata refers to the eye shaped spot on its body, a marking shared with several large Bornean mouthbrooders.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Bettas & gouramis · Betta fish

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