Snakehead Betta (Betta channoides) Care Guide

Betta channoides is a small mouthbrooding wild betta endemic to the Mahakam basin of eastern Borneo, kept in soft, acidic blackwater setups.

Overview

Betta channoides is a small wild betta of the family Osphronemidae, described by Kottelat and Ng in 1994. It is endemic to the island of Borneo, where it occurs only in the province of Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan), Indonesia. The species takes its name from its snakehead-like profile and is a paternal mouthbrooder.

Taxonomy

Family: Osphronemidae
Genus: Betta
Scientific name: Betta channoides
Described: Kottelat & Ng, 1994

Habitat

According to Seriously Fish, the species inhabits the shallows of acidic, brown-water forest streams within the Mahakam river basin, among leaf litter and marginal plant roots. The water is darkly stained by decomposing organic material, and the most sought-after populations originate from around Pampang.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 30 L
Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
pH: 4.5-6.5
GH: 1-6 °dGH
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Water flow: low; dim lighting, driftwood and leaf litter recommended

Diet

Betta channoides is carnivorous. In nature it likely preys on small insects and invertebrates. In captivity it benefits from regular small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, Artemia and Daphnia, and may accept dried foods over time (Seriously Fish).

Compatibility

This is a mid-water species best kept as a single pair or small group of its own kind. Seriously Fish notes it is not recommended for the standard community aquarium and is best maintained alone or with very small, peaceful species in soft acidic water.

Breeding

Betta channoides is a paternal mouthbrooder. The male incubates the eggs and developing fry in his mouth for roughly 10 to 21 days. Broods are small, and even around ten eggs is considered a good result (Seriously Fish).

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies Betta channoides as Endangered, reflecting its restricted range on Borneo (Wikipedia).