Chukai Betta

About

Found only in the peat swamp forests south of Pekan in Pahang, Malaysia, Betta tussyae is a tiny, jewel-toned member of the B. coccina group. A cluster of closely related small bettas that are mostly red or black in coloration. This species is identified by its reddish-orange body marked with two darker lateral stripes, a distinctly falcate red pelvic fin tipped in white, and faint gold vertical bars on the gill cover. It lacks the lateral body blotch found on some of its relatives and shows no iridescent spots in the median fins, which helps narrow down an ID in a group that can otherwise be tricky to sort out. Like all bettas, it carries a labyrinth organ for breathing atmospheric air. A trait that serves it well in the low-oxygen, highly acidic blackwater habitats it calls home in the wild. In the aquarium it does best with very peaceful tankmates or as a species-only setup, since bolder or larger fish will easily stress it out. It builds bubble nests and breeds without too much coaxing, though the breeding tank needs a very snug lid to keep the air layer above the water warm and humid for proper fry development. A manageable species for attentive beginners willing to meet its specific water chemistry needs.