Long-finned Betta (Betta dimidiata)
| Long-finned Betta Betta dimidiata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Long-finned Betta |
| Name Lat. | Betta dimidiata |
| Family | Gouramies |
| Family lat. | Osphronemidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | Borneo |
| Habitat | Forest streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 4.5-6.5 |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-5 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | 1-5 °dH |
| Aquarium | 50 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-2" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | 18-89 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The longfin fighting fish are found exclusively (endemically) in West Kalimantan on Borneo (Indonesia). There they live in small, shallow and weedy, low-oxygen ponds, pools and rice fields as well as in floodplains.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots). A dark substrate with foliage (sea almond leaves) and subdued light (floating plant cover) is ideal. They only need a shallow water depth, 25 cm is sufficient.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In nature they feed on insect larvae, small crustaceans as well as approach food (mosquitoes etc.). The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed at least once a day with a high-quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). Aphids, fruit flies and fruit flies are also readily eaten.
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in pairs or in a group. Keeping them in a group is only recommended in a large, richly structured tank. They are a peaceful species that can be kept well in a community tank with hiding places.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The larger males have extremely elongated fins.
Reproduction and breeding
They are mouth breeding fighting fish. Mating occurs near the bottom, with the male entwining the female in a U-shape. The eggs fall on the anal and caudal fin of the male. The female collects them and spits them in front of the male's mouth. The male takes the eggs into his throat pouch for further mouth brooding. The female defends the male and the territory. After 10-14 days the young fish are released.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, Artemia nauplii). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey
Important
They have an additional respiratory organ, the so-called labyrinth (suprabranchial organ) with which they breathe atmospheric air and can suffocate if this is not possible. The air temperature in the breathing area must not be below the water temperature! The tank must be well covered, because they jump
Other fish of similar shape and coloration are usually perceived as enemies.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium BV
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF