Painted Betta (Betta picta) Care Guide
Betta picta is a mouthbrooding wild betta from highland streams of Java, kept in soft to slightly hard, gently flowing water.
Overview
Betta picta is a wild betta of the family Osphronemidae, originally described by Valenciennes in 1846 and redescribed by Tan and Kottelat in 1998. According to Seriously Fish it is known only from the island of Java, Indonesia, where it may be endemic to western and central areas. It is a paternal mouthbrooder.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Betta
- Scientific name: Betta picta
- Described: Valenciennes, 1846
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish, the species occupies clear, flowing hill streams with quiet marginal zones and still pools containing leaf litter and rocks, and is also found in roadside ditches. Wikipedia describes relatively cool highland streams of Java.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Water flow: low; leaf litter and shaded areas recommended
Diet
Betta picta is carnivorous, feeding on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in nature. Seriously Fish reports captive fish accept small live or frozen foods including Daphnia, Artemia and chironomid larvae, and dried foods once recognised as edible.
Compatibility
A mid-water species. Seriously Fish notes it is not especially aggressive compared with other Betta species and can be maintained in a pair or group, though it is still best kept in a dedicated tank or with very peaceful species rather than a busy community.
Breeding
Betta picta is a paternal mouthbrooder. According to Seriously Fish, the male incubates eggs for roughly 9 to 12 days before releasing free-swimming fry. Wikipedia notes the species spawns readily and prolifically in captivity.
Conservation status
Wikipedia reports Betta picta as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.