Fire Betta — a Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia, calm labyrinth fish; boisterous tankmates stress it. Reaches 4.5–6.6 cm; singly or in pairs; every gourami wants its corner. 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
Calm labyrinth fish; boisterous tankmates stress it
Origin
Southeast Asia
Species overview
Osphronemidae species Betta rutilans 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. Singly or in pairs; every gourami wants its corner. Prioritise calm surface water and cover from above; this fish dislikes current and commotion equally. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 6–8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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
Singly or in pairs; every gourami wants its corner
Diet
Surface-feeding omnivore that savours variety
Recommended tankmates
Other calm labyrinth fish — Share the slow lane
Avoid keeping with
Fin-nippers like tiger barbs — Torn fins and endless stress