Spotted betta
Betta picta
Also known as Javan betta, Painted betta
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–81°F
- 22–27°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 2 in
- 5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 16 gal
- 60 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Easy
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Osphronemidae
- Origin
- Endemic to Java, Indonesia, in clear hill streams and quiet marginal pools with leaf litter and rocks.
Overview
A pair or small group settles into a tank of around 60 liters with a base of 60 cm and a tight cover. Keep water soft to medium and slightly acidic, pH 5.5 to 7.5, at 22 to 27 C. Feed small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, artemia, and bloodworm. Peaceful and shy, so house it in a species tank or with small, calm companions.
In the wild
Betta picta comes from clear, flowing hill streams on Java, sheltering in still edges and pools among leaves and stones. The water is soft and mildly acidic to neutral. A shaded tank with roots, leaf litter, and plants recreates its habitat. It is a hardy, adaptable species that copes with a range of conditions.
Good to know
Described by Valenciennes in 1846, it is the namesake of the Betta picta complex and a paternal mouthbrooder. Males brood eggs in the mouth for about 9 to 12 days. Historically it was one of the first mouthbrooding bettas widely kept and studied by hobbyists.
Did you know
Betta picta was among the earliest mouthbrooding bettas to become established in the hobby, long before many of its rarer relatives were described.
Common questions
What size tank does a Spotted betta need?
A Spotted betta needs at least 16 gal (60 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Spotted betta need?
A Spotted betta is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.5.
How big does a Spotted betta get?
An adult Spotted betta reaches about 2 in (5 cm).
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