Painted Betta (Betta picta)

Betta picta, the Painted Betta or Javan Mouthbrooder, is one of the more commonly kept and accessible wild betta species, originating from Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Males carry developing eggs in their mouths and both sexes display attractive brownish bodies with dark lateral stripes and a subtle blue-green scale sheen. More tolerant of varied water conditions than many wild betta relatives, it makes an excellent introduction to the world of wild betta keeping.

Provide a mature, well-planted aquarium with hiding places including leaf litter and driftwood. Maintain slightly acidic to neutral water with gentle filtration. Feed live and frozen invertebrates: daphnia, bloodworm, artemia. Do not disturb the mouthbrooding male during the 2–3 week incubation period.