Pi betta

Care at a glance

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.

Related species

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• 

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• One-spot betta

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