WT-71: The Wild Bettas – Part 1 - International Betta Congress

March/April 1994
WT-71
is basic to the Betta’s ecological position. Because the fish is not dependent upon oxygen-rich water, it
can thrive in slow or stagnant, shallow ponds or puddles.
Those species which live in still, swampy waters–even in the shallow footprints of water buffalo–
build a nest of sticky bubbles at the surface of the water. This nest is usually constructed under some
protective cover like a floating leaf (or, in domestic situations, a plastic lid). It may be skimpy or
luxurious; it is home for the tiny fry. These hatch from eggs placed in the nest by the male Betta, who
then cares for them.
The spawning sequence of all Bettas consists of a series of embraces, during which the male
wraps himself around the female. The eggs are released from her abdominal area and fertilized. Betta
eggs sink (those of some labyrinth fishes float to the surface), and the male bubblenester must pick
them up, place them in the nest, and care for them. The tiny fry, hatching about thirty-six hours after
the spawning process, are mostly yolk sac, tail, and eyes. They are quite helpless for another thirty-six
to forty-eight hours. Once the yolk sac is gone (it is food for the quasi-embryonic fry), the young Bettas
are able to swim horizontally. They then leave the nest permanently and are abandoned or eaten by
the male. They survive on tiny crustaceans, worms, and microscopic animalcules until they grow
enough to eat larger creatures. A favorite food of bubblenesting Bettas is mosquito larvae. Like their
food, these Bettas are warm weather creatures, preferring soft, slightly acid water of 75-80º Fahrenheit.
The ecology of mouthbrooding Bettas varies from that of the bubblenesters. They mostly
inhabit small streams and rivers, where they keep to the protectively planted edges. They tend to be
larger and stronger than the bubblenesters and prodigious leapers.
Since bubblenests would disintegrate in moving water, these Bettas spawn without them. After
the embrace, the eggs are taken by the female. In the course of the spawning ritual, the male retrieves
them. He then holds them in his mouth, brooding them through the hatching time, until they are free
swimming and he feels that it is safe to release them. The brooding period may last several weeks.
Once the fry are released, they are abandoned like the bubblenesters. Mouthbrooders exist at higher
elevations than bubblenesters and are used to cooler water. Seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit seems
an optimal spawning temperature, compared to 80ºF for bubblenesters.
The Bettas genus has a limited geographical range. They are found only in Southeast Asia.
Bubblenesters have been collected on the mainland for the most part, in Thailand, Cambodia,
Vietnam, and Malaysia (the peninsula). One recent discovery, coccina, comes from Sumatra. Most of
the mouthbrooders are found in Sumatra, Borneo, and Java, all islands off the continent. Although I
know of no Bettas from the Philippines, they may exist there also.
The map included with this article represents a rough attempt to clarify the geography of most
known Betta species. In future articles of this series, particular areas be highlighted and detailed.
Keeping wild Bettas is no difficult matter. Because they are air breathers, Bettas do not need
aeration. A simple one-quart bowl will suffice for all but the largest species, if clean water is
maintained. Most Bettas breeders change the water in their ‘jars’ about once a week. With addition of
the new resins like C-100, this process can be extended to once a month if leftover food is not allowed
to accumulate.
Retyped From Original Article on 08/12/02 By Ralph Tran
Public Relations committee ~ Technical Assistance Library ~ Retyping team
Original document date ~ March/April 1994
Illustrations ~ None
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