Whiteseam betta

Overview

The whiteseam betta (Betta albimarginata) is a tiny, jewel-like wild betta from the peat-swamp streams of East Kalimantan, Borneo. Barely 4 cm long, the male glows fiery orange-red with striking black-and-white edged fins — the “white margin” that gives the fish its name. It is a peaceful, shy species and a paternal mouthbrooder, making it one of the most rewarding wild bettas for the dedicated nano keeper — but it is firmly a specialist’s fish.

Tank & water

A bonded pair thrives in a mature 30-litre (8-gallon) tank or larger, quiet and heavily furnished.

• Temperature: 23–27 °C from a small heater; it prefers the cooler end of tropical.
• Water: soft and acidic, pH 4.5–6.5, is essential; use leaf litter, alder cones and botanicals to release tannins and darken the water. See how do I soften aquarium water.
• Gentle flow: a soft sponge filter keeps the water clean without a strong current.
• A tight lid: it is a jumper and a surface-air breather — cover the tank fully, leaving an air gap.

Feeding

The whiteseam betta is a carnivorous micropredator with a small mouth. It generally ignores dry food and needs small live and frozen fare — baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, microworm, grindal worm and finely chopped bloodworm. A little prepared micro-food may be accepted once settled, but live and frozen foods keep it in the best condition.

Behaviour & tankmates

This is a shy, peaceful fish best kept as a species-only pair or small group so its mouthbrooding behaviour can be observed. If you want tankmates, choose only the smallest, calmest, soft-water nano fish and add nothing that competes for food or intimidates them. Dense planting, leaf litter and low light give the confidence they need to display and breed.

Give the whiteseam betta soft, dark, quiet water and live food, and few nano fish are as captivating — or as likely to raise fry in your care.