Howong Betta (Betta unimaculata) Care Guide
Betta unimaculata is a large Bornean mouthbrooding betta from clear flowing streams, an active predator best housed alone or with peaceful, robust tankmates.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Betta unimaculata, the Howong betta, is one of the largest known species of Betta. Described by Popta in 1905, it belongs to the family Osphronemidae and shows a single dark spot near the caudal base. It is an active, personable predator.
Taxonomy
- Family: Osphronemidae
- Genus: Betta
- Scientific name: Betta unimaculata
- Described by: Popta, 1905
- Common synonyms: One-spot Betta
Habitat
The species is endemic to the eastern portion of Borneo, in Indonesian East Kalimantan. It inhabits clear, flowing streams and isolated elevated pools, as well as turbid forested streams.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L for a pair
- Minimum base dimensions: 80 x 30 cm
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 4-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Provide driftwood, leaf litter and dim lighting with gentle air-powered sponge filtration. These fish are excellent jumpers, so the tank must be kept well covered.
Diet
A carnivore, Betta unimaculata prefers small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm. Captive fish also accept dried products, and larger individuals will take occasional earthworms.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive species is not recommended for a standard community tank. It is best kept alone or with very peaceful species; males are aggressive toward one another, but pairs can coexist if allowed to form naturally. Avoid other male bettas and tiny nano fish.
Breeding
The species is a paternal mouthbrooder. Incubation lasts about 10-14 days, after which the fry are large enough (5 mm or more) to accept motile foods immediately.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient. Insufficient information is available to assess the extinction risk of this species.
Betta unimaculata Breeding Guide
Overview
Betta unimaculata, the Howong Betta, is a large paternal mouthbrooder found in clear flowing streams, isolated elevated headwater pools and turbid forested streams among vegetation and leaf litter. The male incubates the brood orally; it is regarded as an intermediate breeding subject.
Sexing
Males grow larger, are more colourful, possess a broader head shape and develop more extended fins than females.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature: 21-26 C
- pH: 5.0-7.5
- Hardness: 0-179 ppm
- Spacious tank with cover; tight lid to retain warm humid air
This larger species needs ample space, but stable water and a humid air layer above the surface remain essential for fry development.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Courtship involves the intensely coloured male approaching with mouth gaping and fins erect. Eggs are released in small batches during an embrace, often with several dummy attempts before spawning commences; both parents collect eggs initially, with the female spitting them into the male's mouth.
Egg & Fry Care
The incubation period is 10-14 days, at the end of which the male begins to release fully-formed, free-swimming fry. Fry measure around 5 mm and over at release and can immediately accept motile foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii. Offer small amounts of different foods several times per day, with daily water changes of around 5-10% of tank volume to prevent waste accumulation.
Common Challenges
Because it is large and semi-aggressive, pairs need space and careful introduction. As with other mouthbrooders, a disturbed holding male may release the brood prematurely.