Red betta

The Red Cockerel or Red Betta, scientific name Betta rubra, belongs to the Osphronemidae family. Known in the aquarium hobby since 2009, but until 2013 it was supplied as Dennis Yong’s Betta (Betta dennisyongi), until it was isolated as an independent species. During this time, both species hybridized between each other in aquariums, so often both names will denote the same fish.

Habitat

It comes from Southeast Asia from the Indonesian part of the island of Sumatra. This region is isolated from the rest of the island by the Barisan Range, as a result of which it is considered a separate ichthyofauna area due to the high proportion of endemic species found only there. Inhabits shallow wetlands of rivers located among tropical rainforest. A typical biotope is a shallow body of water, the bottom of which is covered with a layer of fallen plant material (grass, leaves, branches, etc.) pierced by numerous tree roots. The water has a brown color due to the high concentration of tannins formed as a result of the decomposition of plant organic matter.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
• Temperature – 22-27°C
• Value pH — 5.0–6.5
• Water hardness – 1–5 dGH
• Substrate type – any
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – weak or absent
• The size of the fish is 3–4 cm.
• Food – any food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Content – singly or in pairs male / female

Description

Adults reach a length of 3–4 cm. The fish has a slender, elongated body with a rounded tail. The pelvic and dorsal fins are pointed; the anal fin extends from the middle of the body to the tail. Males are somewhat larger and more colorful than females. The coloration is dark red with even strokes. The edges of the fins are white. The females look different and may be perceived by some as a completely different species. The main color is gray, the body pattern consists of a single black stripe stretching from head to tail.

Food

Acclimatized fish have successfully adapted to accepting popular commercial feeds. For example, a daily diet may consist of dry flakes, granules, combined with live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms. Drosophila flies, mosquito larvae, etc. may also be offered.

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for one or two fish starts from 40 liters. The design is arbitrary, selected at the discretion of the aquarist. Although the Red Cockerel is able to adapt to life in a half-empty tank, such an environment is not ideal. It will look most harmoniously in low light against the background of a dark substrate among snags. Aquatic plants are optional, but floating on the surface can provide excellent shading.

A good addition would be the leaves of some trees, which cover the bottom, after soaking them. They give not only more naturalness to the design, but also affect the composition of the water due to the release of tannins. Read more in the article “Which tree leaves can be used in an aquarium.”

Red Betta needs acidic soft water (pH and dGH) for its content. The environment must be stable in the allowable range of temperatures and values ​​of hydrochemical parameters. Do not allow the accumulation of products of the nitrogen cycle. Maintaining biological balance depends on the smooth operation of the installed equipment and the regularity of the obligatory maintenance procedures for the aquarium. The latter include weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water and the removal of organic waste (feed residue, excrement).

When choosing a filtration system, you should give preference to a model that does not cause excessive movement of water, which is very important for these fish, since in nature they live in stagnant water bodies. In small tanks, a simple sponge airlift filter can be used.

Behavior and Compatibility

Males justify their affiliation with the Fighting Fish, arranging skirmishes with each other for territory and the attention of females. Other types of similar coloring may also be attacked. Females are not so warlike, but with a lack of space between them, rivalry also arises. It should be noted that during intraspecific conflicts, injuries are quite rare, but a weaker individual is likely to be pushed to the periphery and potentially become less fed. A similar situation can arise when you are in a company with large fish. It is recommended to keep the red cockerel alone or in pairs male female in the company of peaceful fish of comparable size.

Breeding / breeding

This group of fish is characterized by gestation of fry in the mouth, a similar strategy for protecting offspring is demonstrated by Malawian cichlids. With the onset of the breeding season, the male and female begin active courtship, accompanied by hugs, during which the fish seem to wrap themselves around each other. At this point, the eggs are fertilized, and then they end up in the male’s mouth. The incubation period lasts 10-17 days. The fry appear fully formed. They can grow with their parents in the same aquarium.

Fish diseases

The cause of most diseases is unsuitable conditions of detention. A stable habitat will be the key to successful keeping. In the event of symptoms of the disease, first of all, the quality of the water should be checked and, if deviations are found, measures should be taken to correct the situation. If symptoms persist or even worsen, medical treatment will be required. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.