Betta Simorum

In The Wild

Date Classified:

1996

Native Location:

Batang Hari and Indragiri Rivers in Jamba as well as central Sumatra’s east coast

Physical Appearance:

  • Mostly green or brown
  • Iridescent green scales
  • Head is slightly smaller than normal with a straight profile

Environment:

  • Swampy marshlands
  • Cool, slow to stagnant waters near the Batang Hari and Indragiri Rivers in Jambi and Riau Provinces near the east coast of Sumatra

Finnage:

Differs from Betta Bellica in scale and fin ray counts.

Water and Hardness:

Calcium-magnesium 1; alkalinity 1

Water Temperature:

81 degrees Fahrenheit

Water pH:

4.5

In Aquaria:

Physical Appearance:

Green or brown with a blue variety that had an appearance amongst breeders but no longer exists. Use a covered fish tank to prevent these fish from jumping out and provide privacy areas for the female such as vegetation.

Finnage:

  • Elongated pelvic fins which extend to the anal fin
  • Head is smaller than other Betta varieties
  • Central caudal fin rays are longer than most Betta species

Size:

Up to 2.5 inches

Feeding in Captivity:

Live and frozen food as well as commercial flaked

Water and Hardness:

Prefers calcium-magnesium hardness

Water Temperature:

72-79 degrees Fahrenheit

Water pH:

6.0 to 7.0

Breeding:

Acidify the water and provide much needed vegetation.