Endemic Indonesia (WB Antuta)

A six-centimetre scrapper guarding high-pH waters with outsized attitude.

The WB Antuta is a striking, aggressive wild betta for experienced keepers. It reaches 6–8 cm and thrives in stable high-pH water—ideal for a species-only setup.

• Water conditions: WB Antuta demands stable, alkaline water. Aim for pH 7.5–8.5, temperature 24–27°C, and hardness 10–18 dGH. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and nitrate below 20 ppm. Because high-pH water makes ammonia more toxic, use a mature filter, test regularly, and perform 20–30% weekly water changes. Avoid peat, CO2 injection, or pH-lowering buffers that create swings. A gentle flow and strong surface agitation suit this species better than a torrent. Acclimatise slowly, especially if your source water differs; drip acclimation over 45–60 minutes reduces stress.
• Tank size and setup: A single pair needs at least 60–80 litres with a 60 cm footprint; a group or colony requires 120 litres or more with clear visual barriers. Use a tight-fitting lid—wild bettas can jump. Provide caves, driftwood, rock piles, and dense planting with alkaline-tolerant species such as Anubias, Java fern, Vallisneria, and Cryptocoryne. Leave open swimming space in the midwater. Avoid peat-based substrates and heavy leaf litter if you need to maintain high pH. Filtration should be cycled and gentle; sponge filters or baffled hang-on-back units work well. Keep the tank mature before adding this fish.
• Suitable tank mates: This is an aggressive, territorial fish, especially males. The safest approach is a species-only setup. If you must mix, choose robust, fast-moving, non-fin-nipping fish that tolerate alkaline water, such as larger danios or certain rasboras, and monitor closely. Avoid other bettas, guppies, long-finned fish, small shrimp, and tiny snails—they may be bullied or eaten. Avoid slow, bottom-dwelling species that occupy the same caves. Never combine multiple males unless the tank is very large and heavily broken up. When in doubt, keep WB Antuta alone.
• Feeding habits: WB Antuta is carnivorous and thrives on live and frozen foods. Offer bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, mysis, and chopped insect larvae, supplemented with a high-protein pellet. Feed small portions once or twice daily—only what the fish clears in a few minutes. Wild-caught or newly imported specimens may be shy; target-feed near their cover and remove uneaten food to protect water quality. Avoid fatty foods and overfeeding, which can cause bloating. A varied diet supports colour, condition, and natural hunting behaviour. Fasting one day per week is optional but can help digestion.
• Care and maintenance: Test pH, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate weekly. High-pH water increases ammonia toxicity, so never clean the filter and substrate on the same day. Rinse filter media in tank water, not tap water. Perform 20–30% water changes weekly with temperature-matched, dechlorinated water. Keep the lid secure and maintain stable temperature. Observe behaviour daily: hiding, clamped fins, or refusal to feed can signal stress or illness. Quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks. Because this species is aggressive, have a plan for separating individuals if fighting escalates.
• Temperament and behaviour: Expect territorial displays, flaring, and chasing, particularly among males. WB Antuta is not a beginner's community fish. Provide visual barriers and separate territories to reduce conflict. Some individuals can be kept as a compatible pair in a well-structured tank, but success depends on tank size and individual personality. Breeding behaviour can intensify aggression; research species-specific spawning and rearing needs before attempting to breed. Always observe introductions closely and be ready to remove fish if necessary.
• Acclimation and buying advice: Choose a specimen with clear eyes, intact fins, and active feeding behaviour. On arrival, float the bag to equalise temperature, then drip-acclimatise over 45–60 minutes, discarding shipping water. Dim the lights and release into a quiet, well-covered tank. Do not add to an immature or uncycled aquarium. If your water is softer or more acidic than the target parameters, adjust gradually before purchase. Keep a journal of pH, temperature, and behaviour to spot problems early. With stable alkaline water, correct tank mates, and careful feeding, WB Antuta can be a rewarding specialist fish for the dedicated aquarist.