[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Gouramis & Relatives – Wine Red Fighter (Betta coccina)

This exceptionally marked species has a reddish-brown body with longitudinal bands and a central spot, which is not always visible. The dorsal and caudal fins are delicately edged in bluish white. The male of the species exhibits the more intense wine-red color implied in its common name, while the female tends to be a more dull brown color.

Other common name

• Claret Betta

Family

• Belontndae

Subfamily

• Macropodinae

Distribution

• Reported from southern peninsular Malaysia and central Sumatra.

Size

• Up to 2 1/4 in (5.5cm) reported, but often smaller.

Behavior

• Timid, retiring; must not be kept with boisterous tankmates.

Diet

• Livefoods, deep-frozen and freeze-dried diets preferred, but other foods may also be accepted.

Aquarium

• Densely planted (including some floating vegetation), with a number of shelters. Illumination should be subdued. Soft, acid water preferred. Temperature range: 75-82 F (24-28 C).

Breeding

• A challenging bubble-nesting species.