Betta brownorum Care Guide
Betta brownorum is a tiny bubble-nesting wild betta of the Betta coccina complex from peat swamp forests of Borneo.
Overview
Betta brownorum is a tiny wild betta described by Witte and Schmidt in 1992 and belonging to the Betta coccina species complex. Seriously Fish gives a maximum standard length of about 25-30 mm. Both sexes carry a reddish-magenta body and a large iridescent green lateral blotch.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Betta
- Scientific name: Betta brownorum
- Species complex: Betta coccina group
- Described by: K. E. Witte & J. Schmidt, 1992
Habitat
The species is endemic to Borneo, in southern and western Sarawak (Malaysia) and parts of West Kalimantan (Indonesia). Seriously Fish describes it from peat swamp forests and blackwater streams under dense canopy, where the water is darkly stained with humic acids and pH can fall as low as 3.0-4.0; fish can persist in moist leaf litter when surface water disappears.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 25 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 4.0-5.5
- GH: 1-4 °dGH
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
- Setup: dim blackwater tank with leaf litter and dense cover, low flow
Diet
Betta brownorum is a carnivore. According to Seriously Fish it preys on small invertebrates in nature, and in aquaria it accepts small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm.
Compatibility
This is a shy nano species that is not suited to community tanks. Seriously Fish advises keeping it alone or with very peaceful companions; reports on group housing are mixed, as some individuals show territorial aggression. Hard water and rival male bettas should be avoided.
Breeding
Unlike many of its relatives, B. brownorum is a bubble-nester. Seriously Fish reports clutches of typically fewer than 20 eggs that hatch in about 24-48 hours, with the male guarding the nest; free-swimming fry accept microworm and Artemia nauplii immediately.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed November 2021).