Betta albimarginata
Betta albimarginata was described in 1994 by Kottelat & Ng. The species name comes from the Latin words albus, white, and margo, margin, in allusion to the white margins in the fins.
This species is closely related to Betta channoides.
Description
This is a species that is not commonly kept. Betta albimarginata occurs in nature in very soft and acidic water, but contrary to many other species from this kind of locality, this species can also be kept in neutral somewhat harder water. They can be kept in a special aquarium as well as in a community tank. They can reach a total length of about 5 centimeters.
Diet
Like many Bettas, the Betta albimarginata is a carnivore. They prefer to eat live or frozen food such as artemia, mosquito larvae, mysis etc. They are very difficult to get used to dry food. So make sure you have the right food available!
Origin
This species originates from Borneo, Indonesia. They are found in the Sebuku River basin; East Kalimantan. Sesajap River basin; East Kalimantan and the lower part of the Mahakan River basin; East Kalimantan.
The aquarium
Densely planted tanks, with lightly flowing water, and a dark bottom soil are suitable. The temperature should be kept between 24° and 26°C. Betta albimarginata has a preference for old water, so do not change the water too often. Furthermore, they are good jumpers, and a tightly closing cover glass should be present. The males and females hardly fight among themselves, so it is possible to keep two adult pairs in a 40 cm tank. However, there will be regular skirmishes between the males and the females. They are therefore a lot more peaceful than for example Betta splendens.
Breeding Betta albimarginata
Betta albimarginata is a mouthbreeder. Mating usually occurs near the bottom, in a hole, or under a piece of driftwood. After the entanglement , the female collects the eggs. Then she spits them out, and waits for the male to take them in the mouth. The male has to be alert for this, he doesn’t get much more than half a second for it.
The first litters are sometimes eaten by the male, usually after a day or two. After that, he usually carries the full period out. Young males then spit out two to three young after about 11 to 12 days. With somewhat older males, it is usually something like 15 young, but also more (up to 40 young).
The young are very small for mouthbrooders, and need food immediately after hatching. For this, infusoria and microworms are suitable. Only the smallest Artemia nauplii are eaten immediately. After three months, the young can show a length of 30 mm. The parents, as well as other adult Betta albimarginata, do not eat the young. Older young sometimes do eat just-hatched young.
Video
Author
Eric Naus – NVL (original website no longer online)
Copyright images
Eric Naus – NVL (original website no longer online)
