Aurigan Betta

About

Found only on Natuna Besar, a remote island in the Indonesian archipelago, Betta aurigans is one of the more geographically restricted members of an already diverse genus. Like all bettas, it is a facultative air-breather, meaning it can draw oxygen directly from the surface through its labyrinth organ. A trait that makes the genus so adaptable but also one that hobbyists should accommodate by leaving some air space between the water surface and the tank lid. At just over two inches when fully grown, this is a compact fish that does well in a modest, well-planted setup. Because it comes from soft, acidic blackwater conditions typical of the Sundaland region, replicating that chemistry with peat filtration or botanicals will help it thrive and show its best colors. Betta aurigans belongs to the mouthbrooding group rather than the bubble-nesting group, which changes the breeding dynamic considerably. Males incubate eggs orally and should not be disturbed during that period. Temperament is typical of wild bettas: calmer than the domestic fighting fish most people know, but still best kept with peaceful tankmates that won't nip or harass. This one is suited to a keeper who already has some experience with softwater species.