苏拉威西抟鱼

Overview

Betta brownorum is a small bubble-nesting fish specialized for Bornean peat swamps. Both sexes carry a conspicuous green-iridescent side blotch on a reddish-magenta body. Its narrow habitat association makes stable, very soft acidic conditions and shaded cover central to aquarium care.

Distribution & habitat

It is restricted to southern and western Sarawak and a few neighboring West Kalimantan localities. Side-blotch size varies geographically, and housing development has removed some habitats. Dark forest swamps and blackwater streams contain little dissolved mineral content, deep leaf litter, and often very shallow water. Fish may retreat into damp litter during seasonal drying.

Aquarium setup

Arrange wood, roots, pots, or pipes into secure retreats. Leaves add cover and microorganisms, while dim lighting and floating plants reduce exposure. Maintain very soft acidic water with low carbonate hardness and gentle filtration. Fit a secure lid against jumping and retain humid air above the surface.

Diet & feeding

Wild food includes insects and other small invertebrates; examined stomachs contained terrestrial ants and aquatic mites. Dry food is often learned, but live or frozen water fleas, brine shrimp, and bloodworms should regularly supplement it. Avoid overfeeding.

Behaviour & compatibility

A species aquarium is preferable to a busy community. Larger or vigorous fishes can intimidate it. Experiences with multiple pairs or harems differ: some groups only squabble, while dominant fish in others attack persistently. A pair allows easier monitoring and management.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature males generally show stronger colors and longer fins. Females approaching spawning become paler with dark vertical bars.

Breeding

Males build nests in sheltered tubes, beneath broad leaves, or among surface plants. Females need escape cover because they may be excluded before the nest is complete. Embraces produce small batches of eggs that are transferred to the nest. Fewer than twenty eggs are typical, though broods around fifty also occur.

Adults can usually remain after laying. The male alone tends the nest, retrieving fallen larvae. Eggs hatch in one or two days, followed by another three or four days in the nest. Adults usually leave free-swimming fry unharmed. Offer tiny live foods in small, varied portions rather than excessive brine shrimp alone. Maintain moist warm air and frequent small water changes.

Notes

Similar red bettas can show confusingly variable patterns. Retaining locality information is more reliable than treating every difference in blotch size as a species distinction.