Tankmates: Not a general community fish, but one male can share a calm, well-planted tank with peaceful, non-nipping, non-long-finned species (e.g. small rasboras, Corydoras, otocinclus) and snails. Avoid other labyrinth fish, fin nippers (tiger barbs, some tetras) and fancy-finned livebearers. Bettas often hunt shrimplets and may attack adult cherry shrimp; larger Amano shrimp usually fare better.
Feeding: Insectivores/micropredators. Overfeeding is a common cause of bloat and poor water quality. Wild-caught fish may need live or frozen food before accepting pellets.
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Betta splendens is the species behind every domestic fighting fish, from halfmoons to giants. It comes from central Thailand and neighbouring areas, which is why older Malaysian keepers call it ikan laga siam. In the wild, splendens is a short-finned fish with a reddish-brown body and blue-green scales, a long way from the flowing show bettas bred today.
This category is for fish sold under the species name, usually wild-type or near-wild splendens and short-finned fighter lines. They suit keepers who like the original look, or breeders who want a natural base line. FishyHub lists them from Malaysian sellers and breeders, with prices in RM.
| Wild-type splendens | Domestic varieties | |
|---|---|---|
| Fins | Short and rounded | Short (plakat) to very long (halfmoon, veiltail) |
| Colour | Darker body, red fins, blue-green iridescence | Almost any colour or pattern |
| Behaviour | Shy, active, jumps well | Usually bold and used to people |
| Breeding | Breeds true if the line is pure | Often mixed genetics |
The wild species is threatened in parts of its natural range by habitat loss and by crossing with domestic fish. Choose captive-bred fish, and ask whether a "wild-type" fish is a pure line or a cross.
| Care point | Betta splendens |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 26–30°C. Standard Malaysian room temperature (26–31°C) suits it without a heater. |
| Minimum tank | 1 kaki (30 cm), about 12–15 litres, with a lid |
| Temperament | Males are highly territorial; one per tank |
| Diet | Carnivore: pellets, cacing darah, artemia, mosquito larvae |
| Beginner-friendly? | Yes, very hardy |
Wild-type splendens do best in a planted tank with floating cover, a gentle sponge filter and some driftwood or daun ketapang for slightly tinted water. They are more nervous than show bettas, so cover helps them settle and show colour.
Our warm climate suits them, but don't place the tank in direct sun. Tap water must be treated with anti klorin; standing it overnight alone does not remove chloramine. Small weekly water changes are better than rare big ones, especially since soft local water can let pH drift.
Splendens is a powerful jumper. Keep the lid on, with a small gap for air so the fish can breathe from the surface.
Basic bettas can cost as little as RM5–10, while pure wild-type lines and pairs from dedicated breeders cost more. In Sabah or Sarawak, check with the seller about live delivery.
Tidak sama. Kedua-duanya Betta splendens, tetapi ikan laga kampung ialah baka tempatan tradisional, manakala splendens jenis liar lebih dekat dengan ikan asal dari Thailand.
Tidak boleh. Jantan akan bergaduh dan boleh cedera teruk. Simpan seekor jantan dalam satu akuarium.
All common pet bettas (halfmoon, plakat, crowntail, veiltail) are splendens. Wild bettas such as imbellis, smaragdina and macrostoma are separate species.
They're adaptable, but soft, slightly acidic water with leaf litter helps them feel at home.
Compare wild-type and short-finned splendens from Malaysian sellers, with prices in RM. For domestic show forms, browse Halfmoon Plakat and Halfmoon Betta.
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