TankBud

Raja betta

Betta raja

FreshwaterFish

Raja betta (Betta raja)

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C
pH
5.0–7.0
Adult size
2.8 in
7 cm
Minimum tank
26 gal
100 L
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Mouthbrooder · Hard
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Sumatra

Overview

The Raja betta is a shy fish, and it is more peaceful than the common betta. It suits a quiet, planted tank and is best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

A male Raja betta goes a couple of weeks without eating while he broods the eggs, unlike the bubble-nesting betta most people know. He then spits out fully formed fry.

Caring for the Raja betta

Give a Raja betta at least 26 gal (100 L), with dense planting and cover to help it settle in. Keep the light dim, and add leaf litter or botanicals to release tannins.

The water should be soft and acidic, with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0, and warm, at 72 to 81°F (22 to 27°C). Feed small meaty foods such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and quality pellets.

Keep it on its own or as a single bonded pair, since it does not want its own kind crowded in. If you add tank mates, choose small, calm fish, or skip them altogether.

Raja bettas are paternal mouthbrooders. After spawning, the male incubates the eggs in his mouth until the fry are released. Breeding them is hard.

Good to know

The Raja betta belongs to the family Osphronemidae and sits in the Betta pugnax group, rather than with the showy split-fin bettas. It is a labyrinth fish that breathes air from the surface. Its swamp habitat is under pressure from deforestation.

In the wild

The Raja betta lives in peat swamps and slow blackwater streams in Sumatra. The water there is very soft and acidic, and tannins stain it dark.

Common questions

What size tank does a Raja betta need?

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

What temperature and pH does a Raja betta need?

A Raja betta is comfortable at 72–81°F (22–27°C) with a pH of 5.0–7.0.

What does a Raja betta eat?

A Raja betta eats small meaty foods, such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and quality pellets.

How big does a Raja betta get?

An adult Raja betta reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).

How does a Raja betta breed?

A Raja betta is a paternal mouthbrooder. After spawning, the male incubates the eggs in his mouth until the fry are released, and breeding is hard.

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