Betta Livida

In The Wild

Date Classified:

1992

Native Location:

North Selangor Province and central west coast of the Malay Peninsula

Environment:

Blackwater streams and pools

Water pH:

3.5-3.7 – highly acidic or 4.5-5.5 in other locations

In Aquaria:

Physical Appearance:

Similar to their native habitat

  • Red body
  • Iridescent green blotches on both sexes
  • Gill covers have two gold bars

Finnage:

  • Fins are deep red to maroon with iridescent streaks
  • Pelvic fins are tipped with green
  • 10 or 11 dorsal fin rays

Size:

2-3 inches in length

Feeding in Captivity:

Live and frozen foods; some dried and flaked

Water and Hardness:

Preferably soft

Water Temperature:

78-82 degrees Fahrenheit

Water pH:

Under 7 – slightly more acidic