Betta ibanorum

Overview

Betta ibanorum is a paternal mouthbrooder from Sarawak with locality-dependent color forms. Records span peat blackwater and clear streams, but aquarium care should still emphasize quiet shelter and stable soft water.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs across southern and western Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, including the Kuching region and several surrounding districts. Most sites are shaded peat-swamp blackwaters, although clear streams, roadside ditches, and a pool above a waterfall are also recorded.

Leaves, branches, and submerged roots dominate blackwater beds. Clear streams more often have sand or rock with biofilm; fish use slower margins and planted patches rather than exposed current.

Aquarium setup

Provide at least an 80 × 30 cm footprint for a pair or small group. Wood, branches, pots, or short pipes should create several shaded retreats. Leaves supply cover and microbial growth useful to fry, while a bare floor remains an option for easy cleaning.

Use low light, suitable plants, floating cover, and gentle mature sponge filtration. Acidic water with very low general and carbonate hardness may require a reliable soft-water source. Secure the lid against jumping, retain humid air above the water, and keep the surface accessible.

Diet & feeding

Its natural food is thought to consist mainly of insects and other small invertebrates. Acclimated fish generally accept dry food, supplemented with water fleas, Artemia, bloodworms, and other live or frozen items. Control portions rather than feeding continuously whenever fish remain interested.

Behaviour & compatibility

Dedicated accommodation is usually best. Pairs or groups can provide interesting interactions. Any companions must be gentle and share its conditions; larger or energetic feeders may intimidate or outcompete it.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males become larger, with broader heads and more extended fins.

Breeding

Females lead much of the courtship and defend the spawning area. Repeated embraces produce batches of eggs; the female picks them up and passes them to the male for incubation. A male may carry around 60 young, so rearing space should be planned beforehand.

Swimming fry are released after approximately 14–21 days. Experiences with parental predation vary. Removing the female and other fish a few days after spawning is possible, but catching them must not disturb the male into swallowing the eggs or releasing them prematurely. He can be removed after the fry swim and forage independently.

Maintain warm, humid air over the nursery. Start with microworms and Artemia nauplii, giving varied small meals two or three times daily without overusing the latter. Regular modest water changes are preferable to infrequent large replacements.

Notes

Green-to-blue reflection on the rear portion of the scales and yellow eyes in live fish offer recognition clues. Keep locality information with different color forms; iridescence alone is insufficient for identification.