Family: Osphronemidae
Breder's Betta — a Osphronemidae from Central and North America. Reaches 5.2–7.7 cm; keep at 24–28 °C.
A Osphronemidae species native to Central and North America: Betta pugnax lives bottom-dwelling over still waters, rice paddies and slow streams. Territorial; one male per tank. Adults reach 5.2–7.7 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Betta species we profile, alongside Betta imbellis, Betta smaragdina, Betta splendens.
Difficulty: moderate. Territorial; one male per tank. Solitary, pairs or small groups.
Aim for 24–28 °C. Heater required; stable warmth; 24–28 °C recorded range.
Full size is 5.2–7.7 cm. Minimum tank: 71 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Carnivore; prepared foods plus frozen or live. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Territorial; one male per tank. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to Central and North America, where 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.
In the aquarium: bubble-nest builder with paternal care. Males larger with longer fins.