TankBud

Redcheek betta

Betta rutilans

Also known as Redcheek fighter, Fire Betta

FreshwaterFish

Redcheek betta (Betta rutilans)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
4.0–6.0
Adult size
1.4 in
3.5 cm
Minimum tank
11 gal
40 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Endemic to peat swamp forests and blackwater streams near Anjungan in West Kalimantan, Borneo.

Overview

Keep a pair in about 40 liters with a base of 45 cm, very soft acidic water at pH 4.0 to 6.0, and 23 to 27 C. Provide floating plants, leaf litter, and a tight lid to hold humid air. Feed small live and frozen foods such as daphnia and artemia. Best kept as a single pair in a quiet species tank.

In the wild

Betta rutilans is a small red betta from acidic blackwater streams in western Borneo. The water is very soft, tannin stained, and low in minerals. It needs a dim, planted blackwater tank with leaf litter and floating cover. Bright light and hard water do not suit this delicate species.

Good to know

Described by Witte and Kottelat in 1991, it belongs to the Betta coccina group of small red fighters. It is a bubble nester, with the male building and guarding the nest. The name rutilans refers to its glowing reddish color.

Did you know

Males glow a deep reddish orange, the trait behind the name rutilans, meaning glowing red.

Common questions

What size tank does a Redcheek betta need?

A Redcheek betta needs at least 11 gal (40 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Redcheek betta need?

A Redcheek betta is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 4.0–6.0.

How big does a Redcheek betta get?

An adult Redcheek betta reaches about 1.4 in (3.5 cm).

Related species