Cherry Betta (Betta coccina) Care Guide
Betta coccina is a small bubble-nesting wild betta from peat-swamp forests of Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, needing soft, acidic blackwater.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Betta coccina is a small wild betta of the family Osphronemidae, first described by Vierke in 1979. It is found in peat swamp forests of Sumatra (Jambi and Riau provinces), Indonesia, and Johor state in Peninsular Malaysia. Like other labyrinth fishes, it can breathe atmospheric air at the surface.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Betta
- Scientific name: Betta coccina
- Described: Vierke, 1979
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish and Wikipedia, the species inhabits peat swamp forests where the water is darkly stained by decomposing material, soft, acidic and rich in humic substances, with minimal light penetration and slow flow.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 4.0-5.5
- GH: 1-4 °dGH
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
- Water flow: low; dim, blackwater conditions preferred
Diet
Betta coccina is carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates. In the aquarium it accepts small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and chironomid larvae (Seriously Fish).
Compatibility
A mid-water species, best kept as a single pair or alone. Seriously Fish reports it is not suited to community tanks, and some aggression toward conspecifics can occur; it should not be combined with other male bettas.
Breeding
Unlike many wild bettas, Betta coccina is a bubble-nester. The male builds a bubble nest in a tube or canister, under a broad leaf or among fine surface vegetation, and guards the eggs until they hatch (Seriously Fish, Wikipedia).
Conservation status
Wikipedia reports Betta coccina as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with deforestation, pollution and habitat conversion for agriculture as primary threats.
Betta coccina Breeding Guide
Overview
Betta coccina, the Cherry Betta, is a small wild betta of peat swamp forests and associated streams in Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, where water is acidic (pH as low as 3.0-4.0) with negligible mineral content. Unlike the mouthbrooding wild bettas, this species is a bubble-nester: the male builds a nest and guards the eggs.
Sexing
Males are more colourful and develop longer fins than females as they mature. Spawning females become paler in colour, and dark bars appear on the flanks.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature: 22-30 C
- pH: 4.0-6.0
- Hardness: 18-90 ppm (soft, acidic blackwater)
- Provide nest sites such as tubes, canisters or fine-leaved vegetation
The male will construct a bubble nest inside a tube, canister or among fine-leaved plants, so suitable nest sites should be offered in soft, acidic water.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Eggs are released in an embrace where the male wraps around the female. Milt and eggs are exchanged, with the female catching eggs between her pelvic fins before the male transfers them 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 guarding the nest throughout. Once fry swim freely the male loses interest but does not consume them. Fry are large enough to accept motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii immediately, though excessive Artemia may cause health issues.
Common Challenges
Maintaining the very soft, acidic water this species needs is the main difficulty, and stable conditions are required for eggs to develop. Overfeeding fry with Artemia has been linked to health problems, so vary the diet.