Betta simplex

Adult specimens reach sizes of 4 to 6 cm in length. This species is a close relative of Betta javanica, sharing many common morphological features. The coloration is usually light, with a predominance of gray-pink tones, and the body is adorned with a series of dark horizontal stripes. The scales shimmer with a greenish-blue iridescent sheen. The fins and tail are strikingly framed with a black edge and a blue border. Males are generally larger and have more vibrant coloration compared to females.

The natural habitat of this species is in Southeast Asia, specifically, it is endemic to a certain area in Krabi Province, Thailand. These fish prefer karst formations with slightly alkaline water, exhibiting a pH within 7.0–7.4. A typical biotope is characterized by deep limestone depressions forming terrestrial pools and streams connecting them, abundant with limestone rocks and gravel. The water here is exceptionally clear and has a characteristic blue-green tint due to the high content of dissolved calcium carbonate. Coastal zones are predominantly covered with aquatic vegetation.

The keeping conditions for Betta simplex differ from the requirements of other labyrinth fish species, as they prefer higher pH and dGH values. This somewhat limits the choice of compatible, related species. Within this species, a hierarchy is observed where males dominate, and skirmishes over territory may periodically occur between them; however, with a sufficiently large aquarium, serious problems are unlikely. Peaceful, modestly sized fish that can comfortably exist in hard and slightly alkaline water conditions make good tank mates.

For keeping a pair of these fish, an aquarium of at least 50 liters will be necessary. It is extremely important to recreate a habitat that closely approximates natural conditions. Selecting decor elements usually presents no difficulties. Dim lighting and several aquatic plants, including floating ones, will suffice. Other decorative elements can be chosen based on personal preferences. If breeding is planned, shelters should be provided, which can serve as future spawning sites. These can be decorative elements with grottoes and caves, ordinary ceramic pots laid on their side, or sections of PVC pipes. Special attention should be paid to maintaining stable water parameters within acceptable temperature and hydrochemical limits. This requires regular aquarium maintenance procedures, including cleaning and partial water changes, as well as the installation of appropriate equipment, primarily a high-quality filtration system.

In the wild, the diet of these fish consists of small invertebrates. In aquarium conditions, they readily accept most common foods, whether dry, frozen, or live. It is recommended to prioritize specialized foods developed for labyrinth fish and offered by many manufacturers. It is important to avoid overfeeding, as these fish are prone to obesity.

Under optimal conditions, including suitable water parameters and a varied diet, the appearance of offspring is highly probable, especially if sexually mature individuals are present. This fish species is characterized by parental care, which is entirely undertaken by the male. During spawning, the fish perform a peculiar “embrace dance,” during which the female lays eggs one by one, and the male immediately fertilizes them and takes them into his mouth. After the “dance” is complete, the entire clutch is in the male's mouth, where it will remain for the next 9–16 days. During this time, the male tends to stay away from other inhabitants, sometimes hiding in shelters. If startled, he may prematurely release the eggs or even swallow them. The hatched fry are relatively safe near their parents, but the presence of other fish can pose a threat to them. Therefore, it is recommended to transfer the fry to a separate tank with identical water parameters.

Most health problems in fish often arise from unsuitable keeping conditions. Maintaining a stable and comfortable habitat is a key factor for successful keeping. If symptoms of illness appear, the first step is to check the water quality. If deviations are found, it is important to take immediate measures to eliminate them. If the symptoms do not disappear or worsen, medicinal treatment may be required. More detailed information on symptoms and treatment methods can be found in the "Diseases of Aquarium Fish" section.

When purchasing, choose active individuals with clean fins and no visible damage or film on their bodies. Healthy fish should have clear eyes and normal plumpness, without signs of emaciation. Since the species is quite rare in the pet trade, wild-caught specimens are often offered, which increases the risk of parasites or stress during adaptation. In the store, observe their behavior: fish should not show apathy or constantly hide, unless this is due to a lack of shelters in the display tank.