A pair of striped, adult Forest Betta patrol a muddy forest stream,
Singapore.
A young, stripe-free Forest Betta lies motionless in a clear, forest stream in
Singapore.
Specimen from a shallow forest stream, Pulau Sugi, Riau Archipelago,
Indonesia. |
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.
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A Forest Betta warily guards
its territory |
The Forest Betta occurs in
a number of Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Peninsular
Malaysia and Singapore. Family : OSPHRONEMIDAE
Species : Betta pugnax
Maximum Length : 10 cm
References : F1 |
