Care, Breeding & Information for Betta macrostoma

Meaning of Name

"macrostoma" = "Large Mouthed".

First Description

Regan 1909. (Betta macrostoma).

Size

Males, 14cm; Females, 10cm

Sub-Genus

Group

Synonyms

Populations

Borneo: Brunei
Borneo: Brunei Red Form

Young pair, Betta macrostoma.
Imported by WildBettas.com 2002.
Photo: Francine Bethea

Female macrostoma, showing the large mouth.
Imported by WildBettas.com 2002.
Photo: Dov Goldstein

Type Locality

Sarawak, on the Island of Borneo. T Schulz caught this species in the upper reaches of the Mendarem River near Rampayoh in the sultanate of Brunei in north Borneo.

Distribution

Throughout the Island of Borneo

Habitat

Distinguishing Characteristics

Adult males typically, but don't always have a dark, light edged spot on the lower rear end of the dorsal fin. Males also are more vividly colored, and have fins that show a colored pattern to some extent. They also lack any longitudinal banding. Adult Females on the other hand retain the longitudinal bands of juveniles and have less color throughout the body.

History

T Schulz was the first person to import it to Europe and carry out detailed observations in 1984.

Breeding and Care

Care: The main thing to concern yourself with is to feed the fish a varied diet (I feed mine frozen bloodworms and Tetra bits) and to keep the water exceptionally clean. Good filteration is a must!
Breeding: The female lays the eggs on the anal fin of the male, and then picks them up once they have been fertilized. She then passes them over to the male in little batches, a few at a time, for him to brood. Their offspring take about 20 days to hatch, and when they are ready to leave their fathers mouth, they should be between 7-9mm long and ready to eat freshly hatched brine shrimp. If fed a varied diet and given regular water changes they should reach sexual maturity in about 6 months.

Remarks