TankBud

Pi betta

Betta pi

Also known as Arithmetic Betta

FreshwaterFish

Pi betta (Betta pi)
BEDO (Thailand) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
4.5–6.5
Adult size
3.5 in
9 cm
Minimum tank
26 gal
100 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Native to the Pru Toe Daeng peat swamps of southern Thailand and northern Peninsular Malaysia, in acidic blackwater streams.

Overview

A pair or small group needs about 100 liters with a base of 90 cm, soft acidic blackwater at pH 4.5 to 6.5, and 23 to 27 C. Keep a tight lid and heavy cover so the fish feel secure. Feed varied live and frozen foods such as daphnia, artemia, and bloodworm. Best kept in a species tank or with very peaceful blackwater fish.

In the wild

Betta pi lives in blackwater peat swamp streams straddling the Thai and Malaysian border. The water is soft, acidic, and darkly stained, with little light and abundant leaf litter. A large blackwater tank with driftwood, leaves, and dense cover recreates its habitat. It is a bigger mouthbrooder that needs room and a secure lid.

Good to know

Described by Tan in 1998, it is a member of the Betta waseri group and is named for the dark, pi shaped marking on its throat. It is a paternal mouthbrooder. Males use the throat pattern in display and species recognition.

Did you know

The species is named for the dark mark under its chin, which resembles the Greek letter pi.

Common questions

What size tank does a Pi betta need?

A Pi betta needs at least 26 gal (100 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Pi betta need?

A Pi betta is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 4.5–6.5.

How big does a Pi betta get?

An adult Pi betta reaches about 3.5 in (9 cm).

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