Spotfin Betta (Betta stiktos)

Betta stiktos is a wild betta from the Cardamom Mountains region of Cambodia, closely related to B. splendens but distinguished by a characteristic dark spot on the dorsal fin. Males display vivid red and blue colouration that intensifies in well-conditioned fish. Like other wild bettas, it prefers soft, slightly acidic water with ample plant cover. Still relatively rare in the hobby — appealing to collectors of wild betta forms.

Provide soft, slightly acidic water (pH 5.5–7.0, GH <8) with floating plants and dense planting for cover. Keep one male per aquarium — males will fight. A single male can be housed with 2–3 females with adequate hiding space. Feed live and frozen micro prey: baby brine shrimp, micro worms, Daphnia. Provide a tight-fitting lid — bettas are excellent jumpers.