Betta anabatoides Breeding Guide

Breeding the Giant Betta Betta anabatoides: a large Bornean paternal mouthbrooder endemic to Indonesian Borneo, with sexing and setup.

Overview

Betta anabatoides is a large wild betta endemic to South Kalimantan, Katingan and Sampit in Indonesian Borneo, where it occurs in a variety of freshwater habitats. It is a facultative air-breather and is a paternal mouthbrooder, meaning the male incubates the eggs and fry in his mouth rather than building a bubble nest.

Breeding Setup

• Temperature: 22-26 C
• pH: 5.5-7.0
• Hardness: 2-10 dGH
• Spacious tank with cover and a tight lid to retain warm humid air

Because of its large adult size this species needs a roomy tank. As with other labyrinth fishes, a layer of warm, humid air above the water is important for correct development of the fry's labyrinth organ, so a tight-fitting cover should be used.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

As a paternal mouthbrooder, the male collects the fertilised eggs and incubates them orally, releasing free-swimming fry once development is complete. This parental mode distinguishes it from the bubble-nesting members of the genus.