Betta Compuncta

Betta compuncta is a wild-caught, large-bodied freshwater fish from the Betta unimaculata group native to East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia.
Appearance & Morphology
* Size: Grows up to about 10.24 cm (2.4 to 3+ inches) in standard length.
* Body Shape: Robust, deep body with a large, broad-jawed head. Males have noticeably broader heads and longer ventral or lip extensions than females.
* Coloration: Light brown to tan base body with light blue iridescence on the opercular cheeks, lower jaw, and body.
* The "Tattoo" Mark: Named from the Latin compuncta (to prick or tattoo), females and juveniles feature a distinct black reticulated or spotted pattern above the base of the anal fin, while males typically show a dark black patch. Females may also display a yellow-orange subdistal band on the caudal and anal fins.
* Fin Counts: 8 to 10 dorsal soft rays and 27 to 29 anal soft rays.
Behavior & Reproduction
* Reproductive Strategy: Paternal mouthbrooder. The male incubates a small clutch of about 15 to 25 eggs in his mouth for roughly 12 to 18 days (averaging about 14 days) depending on water temperature. Females typically initiate courtship/spawning.
* Temperament: Territorial and aggressive toward conspecifics (especially males), meaning they are best kept as a pair or in a species-only tank rather than a general community tank.
Habitat & Water Parameters
* Natural Habitat: Slow-flowing swampy heath (Kerangas) streams or faster-moving forest tributaries in Borneo, often associated with highly acidic blackwater conditions.
* Water Chemistry in the Wild: Extreme acidity ranging from pH 3.7 to 5.3, though captive specimens show high ecological plasticity and tolerate neutral pH up to 7.0.
* Recommended Tank Parameters: Temperature of 72–86°F (22–30°C) and soft to moderately acidic water (pH 4.0–7.0), housed in a minimum of a 20-gallon tank for a pair.
* Diet: Carnivorous/insectivorous; accepts live, frozen (daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp), and prepared foods.