Betta stigmosa

Overview

Betta stigmosa is a mouthbrooding fish of forest streams in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. Bars across the dorsal, anal, and tail fins occur in both sexes and aid identification. Quiet surroundings and ample cover support its maintenance and male-led brood care.

Distribution & habitat

Type specimens came from a stream feeding the Sekayu waterfalls near Kuala Berang. Later records about 150 km farther south show that its range is not confined to one waterfall locality.

Clear flowing hill streams are shaded by dense vegetation and contain rock, gravel, leaves, branches, and roots. Use of quieter margins is plausible by comparison with relatives, rather than a confirmed preference at every site. Flowing habitat does not require forceful aquarium currents.

Aquarium setup

Allow a footprint around 60 × 30 cm for a pair or small group. Wood, roots, pots, and pipes provide shaded retreats. Bare-bottom breeding arrangements are possible for easier cleaning. Dried leaves add shelter and microorganisms useful as supplementary fry food.

Use subdued lighting, shade-tolerant plants, and floating cover. Gentle sponge filtration is adequate. Keep the lid secure and leave a humid air layer above the water for breathing while preventing escape.

Diet & feeding

Small insects and other invertebrates are probable natural foods. Captive fish usually learn to accept dry preparations, supplemented regularly with small live or frozen Daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. Feed insects appropriately before offering them and control portions to avoid obesity.

Behaviour & compatibility

A species aquarium or very quiet community is preferable. Larger or vigorous competitors can intimidate it. Pairs and groups are possible, with adequate cover and retreat space.

Sexual dimorphism

Males grow larger and broader-headed, carry more iridescent head scales, and develop longer fins.

Breeding

Males mouthbrood. A quiet breeding aquarium with a close-fitting cover maintains the warm humid air required by developing fry. Courtship leads to embraces, sometimes initially without eggs. The female gathers fertilized eggs and spits them toward the male for collection, repeating until the brood is complete.

Disturbance or inexperience can cause egg consumption or early release. Avoid abruptly removing the female or established companions during incubation. After about nine to sixteen days, the male releases swimming young. Separate rearing is possible; leaving them with parents may result in some losses.

Fry immediately take microworms or brine shrimp nauplii. Offer varied small meals two or three times daily without excessive reliance on brine shrimp. Frequent modest water changes are preferable to delayed large changes.

Notes

Blue and dark bars alternate across the dorsal and tail fins, while the anal fin has dark bars and edging. An interrupted second stripe behind the eye crosses the gill cover. It is generally placed in the pugnax group, though the boundaries of that grouping differ between studies.