Betta Simorum – Rare Wild Betta with Subtle Elegance

Betta Simorum is a rare wild Betta species from Southeast Asia, prized for its slender body, understated coloration, and peaceful temperament, perfect for blackwater and soft-water aquariums.

🌿 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Betta simorum

• Common Name: Simorum Betta, Wild Red Betta (locality dependent)

• Origin: Sumatra, Indonesia

• Natural Habitat: Shallow slow-moving blackwater streams and peat swamps with abundant leaf litter

This wild Betta retains a natural streamlined body and subtle coloration, making it highly sought after by collectors who prefer authentic wild species over heavily bred ornamental Bettas. Its elegant form and calm temperament make it ideal for species-only tanks or carefully selected soft-water communities.

🎨 Appearance & Coloration

• Slender, elongated wild Betta body

• Base coloration: earthy brown or olive

• Subtle red or orange highlights on fins depending on locality

• Iridescent hints may appear on scales or fins under soft lighting

• Males exhibit brighter coloration during courtship; females are more muted

Unlike ornamental Bettas, the fins are moderate in size, providing an elegant, natural appearance rather than exaggerated ornamental shapes. Subtle coloring shines best in blackwater setups with tannins and subdued lighting.

📏 Size & Lifespan

• Adult Size: 4–6 cm

• Lifespan: 3–5 years under optimal care

• Slow-growing species; longevity depends on stable conditions

Stable water parameters and minimal stress maximize lifespan and coloration.

💧 Water Conditions

Betta Simorum thrives in soft, acidic blackwater environments:

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C

• pH: 4.5 – 6.5

• Hardness: 0–5 dGH (soft water)

• Water Flow: Gentle

• Filtration: Sponge filter recommended

• Environment: Blackwater setup with driftwood, leaf litter, and botanicals

Tannins released by leaves or driftwood help stabilize pH, create natural blackwater aesthetics, and reduce stress.

🏡 Tank Setup Recommendations

• Minimum Tank Size: 10–15 gallons for a pair or small group

• Substrate: Dark sand or leaf litter

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Plants: Java fern, Anubias, Cryptocoryne, floating plants

• Decor: Driftwood, caves, and dense planting for hiding

Dense planting and floating vegetation create a natural environment, reduce stress, and provide ideal breeding conditions. A species-only tank is highly recommended for optimal coloration and behavior.

🐟 Tank Mates Compatibility

Betta Simorum is peaceful and can be kept with calm, non-aggressive species:

Compatible Tank Mates:

• Small rasboras

• Peaceful soft-water tetras

• Kuhli loaches

• Small shrimp (monitor closely)

Avoid:

• Aggressive or territorial fish

• Fin-nipping species

• Large or fast-swimming fish

• Multiple males in confined spaces

🍽 Feeding Habit

• Carnivorous micro-predator

• Diet Recommendations:

  • Live foods: daphnia, mosquito larvae, baby brine shrimp

  • Frozen foods: bloodworms, brine shrimp

  • Small high-quality pellets

Feed in small portions 1–2 times daily. Live and frozen foods help maintain vibrant natural coloration and stimulate hunting behavior. Remove uneaten food promptly to preserve water quality.

🧬 Breeding Behavior

Betta Simorum is a paternal mouthbrooder:

• Male carries fertilized eggs in his mouth

• Incubation lasts approximately 10–14 days

• Male fasts during brooding period

• Fry are released fully formed and free-swimming

A quiet, well-planted breeding tank with minimal disturbance increases success.

🛠 Care Level

• Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

• Sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry

• Requires consistent soft, acidic blackwater conditions

• Best suited for experienced aquarists

Perform regular small water changes (10–20% weekly) using aged, temperature-matched water. Monitor water parameters carefully to maintain fish health.

🌟 Why Choose Betta Simorum?

• Rare wild Betta species from Sumatra

• Peaceful and elegant with subtle coloration

• Fascinating paternal mouthbrooding breeding behavior

• Thrives in blackwater biotope aquariums

• Ideal for collectors seeking authentic wild Bettas

Betta Simorum is an elegant, low-stress wild Betta species that thrives in well-planted, soft-water aquariums. Its subtle natural beauty and calm temperament make it a refined centerpiece for blackwater setups.