Betta pallifina is a species of fish in the Osphronemidae family (or Belontiidae according to some authors). It is endemic to Indonesia. This fish was described in 2005. Their adult size is up to 4 inches (10 centimeters). Coloring is very vivid, especially in the males. They are a tan/brown, with green and blue iridescence, especially in the males. Adult males' gill plates are adorned with metallic scales that range from sky blue to gold, depending on the lighting. They have a black spot on the base of their caudal fins These fish can be found in the upper Barito River in Borneo.
Diet
Betta pallifina are carnivores and thus should be fed a meat based diet. They will eat a large variety of live foods, such as white worms (Enchytraeus albidus), grinal worms (Enchytraeus buchholzi), wingless fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and brine shrimp. Captive fish will readily take pelleted and flake foods, as well as frozen and freeze dried foods, though these should be soaked prior to feeding.
Betta pallifina come from forest streams in the upper Barito river. The water temperature in which these fish are found is typically 77-79F (25-26C), with the pH ranging from 6.6-7.4.
Betta pallifina are a mouthbrooding species of betta. The male is the caretaker, holding the fry in his mouth for up to three weeks. In captivity, these fish are very easy to breed. During spawning, which can take several hours, the male embraces the female. Fertilized eggs are gathered into the male's mouth and he retreats to brood the fry when spawning is complete. Parents do not predate the fry when they are released. Fry should be fed baby brine shrimp, microworms, or infusoria.
Betta pallifina are relatively undemanding when it comes to care of bettas. They tolerate harder water conditions then most of their relatives. They adapt quickly to life in captivity. They should be kept in species only tanks, one pair can comfortably occupy a 24 inch tank (60 centimeters), while two pairs should be kept in a 30 inch tank (75 centimeters). The tank should have many hiding places, plants, and driftwood. pH should be kept in the range of 6.6-7.4, though a level that is under or over this is fine if kept stable. Feeding is easy, as they will readily take most foods offered. As for any fish, it is recommended that the tank is cycled to prevent ammonia or nitrites from harming the fish. Water current caused by a filter does not cause problems with Betta pallifina, since they come from forest streams and can handle current better then most bettas.
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