Family: Osphronemidae
Java Combtail — a Osphronemidae freshwater fish. Reaches 15–22 cm; keep at 25–30 °C.
Belontia hasselti of the family Osphronemidae is an aquarium-kept Osphronemidae. Territorial; one male per tank and carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live, it grows to 15–22 cm and prefers 25–30 °C water. Other Belontia species in our database include Belontia signata.
A moderate-level species: territorial; one male per tank; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 25–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–8, GH 5–19 dGH suit it.
Expect 15–22 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.
Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Territorial; one male per tank; solitary, pairs or small groups. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
It lives in still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Still to very gentle water; Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.