赛氏抟鱼

Overview

Betta simorum is a slender, relatively large bubble-nesting betta observed leaping out to seize prey from overhanging vegetation. Secure covering, sheltered space, and warm, very soft acidic water are priorities. Breeding management includes separating adults at different stages of brood development.

Distribution & habitat

Records span Jambi and Riau in Sumatra and the Kapuas system in West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Riau records appear confined to the Indragiri basin. Locality labels should be retained to preserve population identity and breeding lines.

Heavily vegetated peat swamps and associated blackwater streams offer dense shade, very few dissolved minerals, and accumulated leaves, wood, and roots. During seasonal drying the fish may survive in damp litter for weeks.

Aquarium setup

Start with a tank at least 80 cm long, preferably offering more than about 80 × 30 cm of floor space. Arrange roots, wood, pots, and tubes into sheltered areas. Leaves encourage microbial growth useful to fry, without requiring natural peat.

Use dim lighting with floating or shade-tolerant plants. Acidic water with very low general hardness and negligible carbonate hardness may require reverse osmosis. Keep filtration gentle. Cover especially securely against jumping while retaining warm, moist breathing air above the surface.

Diet & feeding

A natural-diet study found a preference for dragonfly and damselfly nymphs. Other small invertebrates are probably also taken, and aerial strikes at prey on leaves or branches have been observed. Dry foods are usually accepted after recognition, supplemented by small live or frozen Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms. Avoid overfeeding.

Behaviour & compatibility

Dedicated housing is generally preferable because large or energetic fish can intimidate it. Compatible small cyprinids are possible, and other labyrinth fishes may be considered with ample space.

Reports on multiple pairs or one-male groups differ, ranging from limited disputes to persistent conspecific aggression. A single pair is usually easier to manage.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males develop stronger coloration and slightly greater fin extension.

Breeding

Provide plentiful female refuges and possible nest sites in tubes, containers, broad leaves, or floating plants. The male generally excludes the female until construction ends. Her breeding colors become pale with dark bars. Each embrace releases roughly 5–20 eggs, supported by her pelvic fins before the male places them in the bubble nest; she also collects loose eggs. Repeated batches complete spawning.

Remove the female afterward because the male assumes sole care and may attack her. Eggs hatch after around 24–48 hours. Larvae spend another 3–4 days in the nest absorbing yolk, with fallen young returned by the male. Once they swim freely, he can also be removed because he may begin eating them.

A close-fitting lid retains warm, humid air for labyrinth development. Give small, varied meals of microworms and Artemia nauplii two or three times daily, avoiding excessive Artemia use. Make regular small water changes.

Notes

Compared with Betta bellica, this fish has a sloping head with a pronounced concavity behind the eye and longer pelvic fins. The earlier diet study used the related species' name, reinforcing the value of accurate identification and locality records.