Wild Betta Albimarginata

Looks how to spot one

Scales and fins

This small betta has a slender, elongated body. Males show a more orange or reddish colouration with a broad white distal band and a dark submarginal band on the fins, plus an orange blotch on the gill cover. Females are a mottled brown. The head is blackish underneath and greyish-yellow on top. Fins are patterned except the pectorals.5

Personality what they are like

This betta is fairly peaceful compared to the common Siamese fighting fish. Males may squabble but rarely harm each other. They can be kept in pairs or small groups with enough space. They are not aggressive toward other species in a community tank.45

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They are active swimmers but prefer calm, shaded areas with plenty of plants and hiding spots. They need a well-planted tank with gentle water flow, a tight lid to prevent jumping, and access to humid air above the waterline. A 10-gallon tank is minimum for a pair, with extra space for groups.54

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular water changes are essential. They prefer soft, acidic water but tolerate neutral to slightly harder water. Keep temperature between 24-30°C (76-85°F). Use gentle filtration, and add tannins via leaves or driftwood. Avoid strong currents. Clean water and stable conditions prevent most diseases.56

Home where they are happiest

In the wild they live in shallow forest streams (5-10 cm deep) among plant roots and leaf litter. In captivity, provide a densely planted tank with caves, driftwood, and floating plants. Keep water level low enough for easy air access. They are jumpers, so a tight lid is essential. They are not venomous or illegal to keep, but they are endangered in the wild, so choose captive-bred fish.247

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous. In nature they eat insects, small invertebrates, and zooplankton. In captivity, offer live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms. They may accept high-quality dry foods only after gradual weaning, but live/frozen should be the staple.54

Company who they like around

They can be kept in pairs or small groups if space allows. Males are territorial but not as aggressive as Betta splendens. They do well in a species tank or a peaceful community with small, non-nippy fish. Provide hiding places to reduce stress. They are mouthbrooders, and males guard the eggs in their mouth for 10-15 days.64

The story where it all began

This wild betta was first described in 1994 by Kottelat and Ng. It is endemic to the Sebuku River basin in East Kalimantan, Borneo. It has become popular among aquarists for its interesting mouthbrooding behaviour and peaceful nature. However, wild populations have declined due to over-collection for the aquarium trade and habitat loss from deforestation and coal mining. It is now listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, so captive breeding is important for conservation.173

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Listed as endangered due to over-harvesting for the aquarium trade and habitat destruction from deforestation and coal mining.7