Brunei Beauty — a Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia, mostly peaceful; slow, deliberate movers that dislike chaos. Reaches 4.5–6.6 cm; a pair bonds loosely; keep décor between rivals. 24–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
4.5–6.6 cm
Minimum tank
52 L
Water layer
Upper; surface-oriented
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Mostly peaceful; slow, deliberate movers that dislike chaos
Origin
Southeast Asia
Species overview
Osphronemidae species Betta macrostoma comes from Southeast Asia. A labyrinth breather that cruises the plant tops like a sailboat in still water. It patrols the upper water. Adults reach 4.5–6.6 cm. A pair bonds loosely; keep décor between rivals. Prioritise calm surface water and cover from above; this fish dislikes current and commotion equally. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 6–8. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.
Native biotope
Habitat
Still waters, rice paddies and slow streams
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Soft sand with leaf litter
Hardscape
Dense planting and shelters
Plants
Dense hardy plants reaching the surface
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
A pair bonds loosely; keep décor between rivals
Diet
Omnivore; flakes, small pellets and frozen foods
Recommended tankmates
Other calm labyrinth fish — Share the slow lane
Avoid keeping with
Fin-nippers like tiger barbs — Torn fins and endless stress
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males larger with longer fins
Breeding method
Surface bubble-nester with dedicated male guarding