Betta antoni

Overview

Blue iridescence and a dark lower lip help distinguish Betta antoni. This paternal mouthbrooder needs quiet, shaded accommodation; soft water and protection from forceful tankmates matter more than elaborate decoration.

Distribution & habitat

It appears restricted to the lower Kapuas drainage in West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo, with populations near Sanggau and Nanga Pinoh. Forest hill streams provide quiet edges and pools among leaves, gravel, and rocks. Dense overhead and marginal vegetation excludes much of the light, and decomposing material sometimes gives otherwise clear water a light brown tint.

Aquarium setup

Provide a footprint exceeding 60 × 30 cm. Arrange wood, branches, pots, or pipes into separate shaded retreats. Leaves add cover and support microorganisms useful to fry; a bare base is an alternative when easy cleaning is important.

Use subdued lighting, shade-tolerant plants, floating cover, and gently operating mature sponge filtration. Very soft water with little carbonate hardness may require a dependable soft-water supply. Secure the cover, leave humid air above the water, and preserve surface access. This fish can jump effectively.

Diet & feeding

Natural prey includes insects and other invertebrates; very small fish may also be taken. Dry food is usually accepted after recognition, but rotate it with water fleas, Artemia, bloodworms, and similar live or frozen items. Feed small insects before offering them. Limit portions because obesity appears common within the genus.

Behaviour & compatibility

A dedicated aquarium is preferable, although carefully selected, exceptionally gentle companions can work. Large or energetic fishes may intimidate it. A group is possible with ample cover and visual barriers, but disputes still occur; spawning females can be especially confrontational.

Sexual dimorphism

Males tend to be larger, with broader heads, more reflective head scales, and longer fins.

Breeding

Females initiate much of the courtship and defend the spawning area. During repeated embraces, eggs are released in batches, collected by the female, and passed to the male for oral incubation. A male can carry approximately 60 young, making rearing capacity worth planning beforehand.

He releases swimming fry after about 12–17 days. Experiences with parental predation differ. Removing the female and other fish a few days after spawning can protect the brood, but disturbance must be minimized: a frightened male may swallow it or release it too early. He can also be removed after the young swim and feed independently.

Maintain warm, humid air over the nursery for labyrinth development. Newly released fry can take microworms and Artemia nauplii. Rotate small meals two or three times daily rather than relying heavily on the latter alone, and favor frequent modest water changes.

Notes

The earlier trade designation was Betta sp. ‘Sanggau’. Its labyrinth organ permits supplementary air breathing, without removing the need for clean, stable aquarium water.