红鳍抟鱼

Overview

Dark coloration, bright red pelvic fins, and pale fin tips help characterize Betta miniopinna. This small bubble-nesting betta comes from acidic peat-swamp water and needs a quiet, sheltered aquarium with consistently very soft water.

Distribution & habitat

It is restricted to a few northern localities on Bintan in Indonesia's Riau Islands. Dense forest canopy shades peat swamps and connected streams containing dark water, negligible minerals, and a floor of leaves, branches, and roots. Seasonal drying may force fish into damp litter for weeks; this is a survival circumstance, not a model for draining a captive aquarium.

Tourism, road building, and rubber cultivation have reduced suitable intact forest to scattered remnants.

Aquarium setup

A footprint of about 45 × 30 cm is the minimum for a pair or well-sheltered small group. Arrange roots and branches to create shade, with pots or tubes for additional retreats. Dried leaves add cover and support microorganisms that can supplement fry nutrition. Natural peat is unnecessary.

Keep lighting subdued, using shade-tolerant plants and floating growth if desired. Acidic conditions, negligible carbonate hardness, and very low general hardness may require reverse-osmosis water. Gentle sponge filtration is sufficient. Cover the tank securely against jumping while retaining warm, humid air above the water for breathing.

Diet & feeding

Small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates are likely natural prey. Captive fish usually learn to accept dry foods, but should regularly receive small live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms. Avoid overfeeding and excessive weight gain.

Behaviour & compatibility

A dedicated aquarium is usually preferable to a standard community. Any companions must be exceptionally peaceful and suited to the same conditions. Groups are possible with abundant shelter, though isolating a pair is preferable for breeding.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature males develop stronger color and more extended fins.

Breeding

Provide female retreats and several nest options. The male may build inside a tube or container, beneath a broad leaf, or among fine floating vegetation, and usually excludes the female until the nest is finished. Prior separation of the pair is unnecessary. A receptive female becomes paler with dark flank bars. Eggs are released in batches during embraces beneath the nest, caught with the female's pelvic fins, and transferred upward by the male; the female also retrieves loose eggs.

Broods commonly contain fewer than 20 eggs, although around 50 is possible. Both adults can usually remain and participate in care. Hatching takes approximately 24–72 hours, followed by another 3–4 days in the nest while yolk is absorbed. The male retrieves fallen young, then loses interest after free swimming. The parents usually spare their offspring.

A close-fitting cover preserves the warm, humid air needed for labyrinth development. Microworms and Artemia nauplii are suitable first foods, but avoid excessive reliance on Artemia, which has been associated with health problems in young bettas. Use small, regular water changes.

Notes

Compared with Betta persephone, this species is more elongated, has a more concave upper head profile, and has brighter red pelvic fins. Its labyrinth organ permits supplementary air breathing without removing the need for good water quality.