TankBud

Krabi mouthbrooder

Betta simplex

Also known as Simplex betta, Pumpkin Betta

FreshwaterFish

Krabi mouthbrooder (Betta simplex)
Andrewbogott · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
7.0–8.0
Adult size
2.4 in
6 cm
Minimum tank
16 gal
60 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Mouthbrooder · Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Osphronemidae
Origin
Endemic to the Krabi area of southern Thailand, living in limestone spring pools and drainage ditches with hard, near neutral to alkaline water.

Overview

The Krabi mouthbrooder is a wild betta that is peaceful for its genus, suited to a rocky, well-covered tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The Krabi mouthbrooder is one of the few bettas that prefers hard, alkaline water. That trait ties to the limestone springs of Krabi, where it lives.

Caring for the Krabi mouthbrooder

Keep a pair or a small group of Krabi mouthbrooders in at least 16 gal (60 L). The tank needs a base of at least 60 cm and a secure lid. Rock, roots and plenty of cover mimic their home waters well.

Give them neutral to slightly alkaline, moderately hard water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.0. They do not need the soft, acidic setup most of their relatives require. Offer small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia.

They do best in a species tank or with calm fish of similar size. This is a paternal mouthbrooder, and males incubate the eggs in the mouth for roughly 9 to 16 days. Breeding takes moderate effort.

Good to know

Betta simplex, family Osphronemidae, was described by Kottelat in 1994 and sits in the Betta picta complex. It is named simplex for its relatively plain markings compared with close relatives.

In the wild

The Krabi mouthbrooder is endemic to the Krabi area of southern Thailand. It lives in clear limestone spring pools and drainage ditches, rather than acidic blackwater. Its home waters are rich in dissolved minerals, with a pH around 7.0 to 7.4 and dense marginal plants.

Common questions

What size tank does a Krabi mouthbrooder need?

A Krabi mouthbrooder needs at least 16 gal (60 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Krabi mouthbrooder need?

A Krabi mouthbrooder is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.

What does a Krabi mouthbrooder eat?

A Krabi mouthbrooder eats small live and frozen foods, such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia.

How big does a Krabi mouthbrooder get?

An adult Krabi mouthbrooder reaches about 2.4 in (6 cm).

How does a Krabi mouthbrooder breed?

Males of the Krabi mouthbrooder incubate the eggs in their mouths for roughly 9 to 16 days. Breeding takes moderate effort.

Related species