Betta channoides

Family Osphronemidae
Genus Betta
IUCN category (World) EN
Betta channoides Betta channoides

Introduction

Descriptor : Kottelat & Ng, 1994

Betta channoides is a small tropical fish endemic to the Mahakam River basin in East Kalimantan, Borneo. Described by Kottelat and Ng in 1994, it belongs to the mouth-brooding Betta group. The species, very localized, is currently classified as Endangered due to its limited range and pressure from collection for the aquarium trade.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    4 cm
  • Maximum size
    5 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular
  • Average size
    4 cm
  • Maximum size
    5 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Shape
    Rectangular

How to recognize This fish ?

Like all fish of its genus, Betta channoides has the particularity of being able to breathe in two different ways. In addition to the classic gills, this species is equipped with a breathing apparatus called Labyrinthe which allows it to absorb oxygen from the air. These species are commonly called the labyrinth Fish.

A miniature species, B. channoides reaches about 4 cm in standard length. The fusiform body bears 3 dorsal spines. The male is more colorful, displaying a chocolate to bright red coloration during spawning or intimidation, with contrasting fins. The female is duller, brown to grayish, but can also exhibit more pronounced hues during reproductive behaviors.

Sexual dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is pronounced. Males exhibit vivid coloration, ranging from reddish-brown to bright red, while females sport a more discreet coloration in brown or gray tones. Differences intensify during breeding, when males enhance their colors.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    carnivorous
  • Sociability
    living as a couple or alone
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

Betta channoides lives in pairs or sometimes solitary, usually at mid-level in the water column. It is a calm species, but can be aggressive towards conspecifics, especially males, sometimes resulting in minor fin damage. Its diet is opportunistic carnivorous, mainly feeding on small aquatic invertebrates.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare incubateur buccal

Like other Betta in this group, B. channoides is a paternal mouth-brooder. After spawning, the male gathers the fertilized eggs in his mouth, where they incubate until hatching. Females sometimes assist in the initial collection of eggs before transferring them to the male. Incubation duration varies with temperature, and the offspring are independent upon release.

Harmless species

No danger to humans.

Origin and distribution

Natural range
Invasive range
Mixed / unknown area

Geographic distribution & Conservation

The species is confined to the middle basin of the Mahakam in East Kalimantan, Borneo. Its range is less than 76 km², with actual occupancy limited to around a dozen km². It is observed in only a few localities, making it very vulnerable. Classified as Endangered, it is experiencing a decline due to habitat destruction and collection for the aquarium trade.

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : EN

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    23 - 29 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    4.5 - 7.5
  • gh (hardness)
    1 - 6

Biotope presentation

Betta channoides inhabits small, acidic, brown-tinted forest streams typical of peat swamp and blackwater areas. These habitats, shallow and with moderate flow, are rich in riparian roots and leaf litter where the fish find refuge. The water is soft, acidic, and heavily stained by tannins from plant decomposition.

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    40 liters
  • Population min
    1
  • Temperature
    23 - 29 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    4.5 - 7.5

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    moderate
  • Robustness
    tolerant
  • Behaviour
    slightly aggressive
  • Availability
    occasional

Recommended equipment from our partners

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for Betta channoides

Betta channoides is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 23 °C and 29 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.

The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.

This species is generally available in specialized shops or from aquarium clubs. Specimens that have been bred for a long time are easier to breed, but special water parameters must be respected.

Jumping fish

Be careful, Betta channoides is an excellent jumper, naturally using this faculty to change its living area or to escape from predators. The aquarium must be perfectly covered to prevent him from making a deadly jump...

Fish with a maze

The ability to breathe at the surface makes this fish more likely to live in small volumes. Naturally, Betta channoides can be found for long periods in water holes where oxygen is scarce.

Cohabitation & Environment

Betta channoides is a fish which it is advisable to maintain in specific aquarium. A 40 liter tank is sufficient to consider its breeding. Associating it with other species is not fundamentally impossible but a documentation work is necessary for the constitution of the population.

It should be noticed that this species should not be kept with large crustaceans or fish, as it would become a prey of choice. Smaller species should preferably be inserted in the aquarium some time before the larger ones. Moreover, if you want to breed it, it is better to put them in a specific aquarium.

Acid Water Maintenance

Betta channoides living naturally in acidic water, generally in "black" or "sieved" water, the implementation of a filtration on peat is ideal for its balance. Adding decaying leaves and alder fruit can significantly improve living conditions by naturally increasing acidity of some water.

Tips for feeding

Betta channoides is carnivorous.

This species does not appreciate being fed with freeze-dried food (flakes...). Some specimens will never eat this type of food.

Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.

Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.

Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.

Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO

Reproduction protocol

  • egg-laying protection
    Yes

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

To go further

Species of the same family

Espèces du même genre

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Michael Négrini

Michael Négrini

Sylvain Mathieu

Sylvain Mathieu

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Bibliographic references

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 09/11/2023

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