Betta hendra Care Guide - Habitat, Diet & Breeding

Betta hendra is a small, elegant wild betta known for its vivid emerald-green to blue-green iridescence. The body may show darker horizontal markings, while the fins often combine red, blue and green tones, producing a more refined appearance than the long-finned forms of domestic Betta splendens.

This species is a labyrinth fish and can breathe atmospheric air using its labyrinth organ. It is generally more discreet and less relentlessly aggressive than many domesticated splendens strains, although males remain territorial and may display to one another with extended fins and intensified colour.

In nature, Betta hendra lives in shaded forest pools, ditches and sluggish streams where fallen leaves, roots and dense marginal vegetation create a maze of hiding places. The water is typically soft, acidic and tea-coloured from dissolved tannins, with very little mineral content.

As a bubble-nesting species, the male takes an active role in parental care. He tends the eggs beneath a floating nest and retrieves any that fall, making his breeding behaviour particularly interesting to observe. Its restricted natural range also makes responsibly sourced, captive-bred fish especially valuable to the hobby.

Betta hendra is native to peat-swamp and blackwater habitats in Central Kalimantan, on the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. It is associated with slow-moving, shallow forest waters rich in leaf litter, submerged roots and tannins.

Provide at least 20 litres for one fish, with a larger aquarium of around 40 litres or more preferred for a pair or community. A footprint of approximately 45 × 25 cm is a useful minimum dimension guideline, with more floor space beneficial for multiple fish. Use a tight-fitting lid because bettas jump and need access to humid air above the water. Create a shaded blackwater setting with fine sand or smooth dark substrate, driftwood, dried Indian almond leaves, floating plants and dense vegetation around the edges, while leaving calm open water for swimming. Gentle filtration and subdued lighting help replicate its quiet forest habitat.

Up to about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) for males; females are usually slightly smaller, reaching around 4 cm (1.6 in).

Betta hendra is primarily a small carnivore and should receive a varied diet of appropriately sized live or frozen foods, including mosquito larvae, daphnia, brine shrimp, grindal worms and bloodworms in moderation. High-quality small betta or micropellet foods can be used as a staple, but variety is important. Feed modest portions and remove uneaten food, particularly in the soft, low-buffered water this species prefers.

Betta hendra is best kept alone, as a compatible pair, or in a carefully planned species-focused aquarium. Peaceful, small blackwater fish such as quiet rasboras, small tetras and gentle kuhli loaches may work in a spacious, heavily planted community, provided they do not outcompete the bettas for food. Avoid keeping males together, and do not combine them with fin-nipping species, boisterous fish or other territorial bettas. Breeding pairs may need to be separated if the female is persistently chased.

Betta hendra are bubble-nest breeders. Condition a compatible male and female with plentiful live or frozen foods, then provide floating plants or other cover beneath which the male can build his nest. After spawning, the male gathers the eggs into the nest and guards them until they hatch. Remove the female if she is being harassed, and separate the male once the fry become free-swimming if necessary. The tiny fry need infusoria-sized foods initially, followed by baby brine shrimp and other suitably small foods.

Males are usually larger and more intensely coloured, with stronger emerald or blue-green iridescence and longer, more extended fins. Females tend to be smaller, duller brown or greenish in colour and shorter-finned, often showing a more noticeable ovipositor when mature.