蓝抟鱼

Overview

Betta livida is a reddish small bubble nester. Both sexes can show a little green iridescent flank blotch, but that mark fades with age. An older fish without it should not automatically be assigned to another species.

Distribution & habitat

It is restricted to northern Selangor on the Malay Peninsula. Oil-palm and rubber development has damaged many habitats. Peat swamps and blackwater streams provide shaded, acidic, very low-mineral water over litter and detritus. Fish are common in quiet shallow areas and vegetated margins, with some records beside faster streams. Water can range from tea-colored to relatively clear.

Aquarium setup

Use wood, roots, pots, or tubing for shelter. Leaves add cover and microorganisms that may supplement fry diets. Dim lighting, tolerant plants, and floating cover suit very soft acidic water with low carbonate hardness. Filtration should be gentle. Secure the lid and retain humid air above the water.

Diet & feeding

Insects and other small invertebrates are probable prey. Dry food is often accepted after learning, but regular live or frozen water fleas, brine shrimp, and bloodworms should provide variety. Avoid excess feeding.

Behaviour & compatibility

A species aquarium focused on maintaining a breeding population is preferable. Quiet small companions with matching needs may work. Multiple pairs or harems have produced differing results, including sustained bullying, so pair housing is easier to supervise.

Sexual dimorphism

Males become more colorful and longer-finned. Females preparing to lay become pale with dark vertical bars.

Breeding

Nests may occupy tubes, broad leaves, or surface vegetation. Females need escape cover. Embraces produce small egg batches transferred to the foam. Fewer than twenty eggs are typical, though broods near fifty occur.

Parents can normally remain afterward, with the male caring for the eggs alone. Hatching takes about one or two days, followed by another three or four in the nest. He retrieves fallen larvae, then loses interest once they swim freely; adults usually leave fry unharmed. Tiny live foods are suitable immediately. Offer small varied portions several times daily, avoid excessive brine shrimp alone, maintain humid air, and change water in modest regular amounts.

Notes

Parallel golden opercular bars and broad green-iridescent pelvic-fin tips help assess identity alongside the age-dependent flank blotch. Locality labels support reliable breeding records.