Penang Betta (Betta pugnax) Care Guide
Betta pugnax is a robust mouthbrooding wild betta from Malayan streams, larger than most wild bettas and tolerant of varied water.
Overview
Betta pugnax is a robust wild betta of the family Osphronemidae, originally described by Cantor in 1849 as Macropodus pugnax. It is distributed throughout much of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, with related records across the region, and is a paternal mouthbrooder larger than most wild bettas.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Betta
- Scientific name: Betta pugnax
- Described: Cantor, 1849
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish and Wikipedia, the species occupies flowing hill streams with sandy substrates and leaf litter, as well as shaded forest swamps with dense vegetation and acidic, humic-stained water, often near overhanging bank vegetation, submerged leaf litter and exposed roots.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Water flow: medium; sandy substrate and leaf litter recommended
Diet
Betta pugnax is carnivorous, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates in nature. Seriously Fish reports captive fish accept dried foods but require regular small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia or chironomid larvae.
Compatibility
A mid-water species that can show semi-aggressive behaviour. Seriously Fish notes it is not recommended for the standard community aquarium but can be maintained in a pair or group, being less aggressive than some congeners. Tiny nano fish and other male bettas are best avoided.
Breeding
Betta pugnax is a paternal mouthbrooder. According to Seriously Fish, the male incubates eggs for roughly 9 to 16 days. Wikipedia notes the species is not strongly territorial during the breeding season.
Conservation status
Wikipedia reports Betta pugnax as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.