Giant Betta (Betta anabatoides) Care Guide
Betta anabatoides is a large slender Bornean mouthbrooder from varied freshwater habitats, kept in spacious, soft-water aquaria with calm tankmates.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Betta anabatoides, the giant betta, is a large mouthbrooding betta with a slender, pike-like body and subdued bronze tones. Described by Bleeker in 1851, it ranks among the largest wild bettas and belongs to the family Osphronemidae.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Betta
- Scientific name: Betta anabatoides
- Described by: Bleeker, 1851
- Common synonyms: Slender Betta
Habitat
The species is endemic to Indonesian Borneo, recorded from South Kalimantan including the Katingan Regency and the Sampit River region. It occupies a variety of freshwater habitats and is a facultative air-breather, using its labyrinth organ to take atmospheric oxygen.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Provide soft, slightly acidic water with low flow, driftwood, leaf litter and dim lighting. As a competent jumper and air-breather, the species needs a secure cover with a small air gap above the surface.
Diet
Betta anabatoides is a carnivore that takes small live and frozen invertebrate foods and, over time, dried preparations. A varied diet supports condition and colour.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive species is best kept as a single pair or with larger peaceful fish. Avoid other male bettas and tiny nano fish that may be intimidated or eaten.
Breeding
The species is a paternal mouthbrooder; the male incubates the eggs in his mouth until the fry are released as free-swimming juveniles.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species occupies a range of freshwater habitats across its Bornean distribution.
Betta anabatoides Breeding Guide
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.