Betta brownorum Care Guide
Betta brownorum is a tiny bubble-nesting wild betta of the Betta coccina complex from peat swamp forests of Borneo.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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).
Betta brownorum Breeding Guide
Overview
Betta brownorum is a tiny wild betta closely related to B. coccina. It is a bubble-nester in which the male constructs the nest, and it requires soft, acidic conditions matching its natural habitat. Successful breeding hinges on stable blackwater chemistry.
Sexing
Males are more colourful and develop longer fins than females as they mature, displaying a large iridescent green lateral blotch. Females are paler, with dark bars appearing on the flanks prior to spawning.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature: 24-30 C
- pH: 3.0-6.0
- Hardness: 18-90 ppm (soft, acidic water)
- Provide tubes, canisters or fine-leaved plants as nest sites
Soft, acidic conditions matching the natural habitat are required. The male constructs the nest first and will not tolerate the female nearby until it is complete.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning occurs below the nest in an embrace where the male wraps around the female, releasing milt and eggs together. The male then takes the eggs to the nest.
Egg & Fry Care
A clutch of fewer than 20 eggs is typical, though broods of up to 50 are not uncommon. Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours and remain in the nest for a further 3-4 days while the yolk sac is absorbed, the male tending the nest throughout; adults typically do not eat the offspring. Fry are large enough to accept motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii immediately, offered in small amounts 2-3 times daily.
Common Challenges
The species needs very soft, acidic water, and unstable chemistry is the most common cause of failure. Keeping the male undisturbed while he builds and tends the nest improves spawning success.