Forest Betta

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Order : Perciformes
Family : OSPHRONEMIDAE
Species : Betta pugnax
Maximum Length : 10 cm

The Forest Betta belongs to the same genus as the Siamese Fighting Fish Betta splendens, but is somewhat less agressive. But like its famous cousin, the male Forest Betta is quite territorial.

The species inhabits clear, fast flowing forest streams, with sandy bottoms. It will remain concealed in vegetation lining the banks of such streams.

It feeds mainly on animal matter such as insects and worms, and is a mouth brooder - the young fry are raised in the protection of the male's mouth.

The Forest Betta occurs in a number of Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.

Fig 1 : A pair of striped, adult Forest Betta patrol a muddy forest stream, Singapore.  The small fishes at top left and bottom right are Harlequin Rasbora.

Fig 2 : A young, stripe-free Forest Betta lies motionless in a clear, forest stream, Singapore.

Fig 3 : Suspended motionless in freshwater swamp forest, Singapore.

Fig 4 : Lurking amongst silty, leaf-litter in freshwater swamp forest, Singapore.

Fig 5 : Specimen from a shallow forest stream, Pulau Sugi, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia