.betta-desc { font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif; font-size:15px; line-height:1.75; color:#1a1a2e; max-width:860px; margin:0 auto; } .betta-desc p { margin-bottom:14px; } h2.fish-title { font-family:Georgia,serif; font-size:1.7em; font-weight:bold; color:#3d1f5c; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:0.03em; border-bottom:2px solid #7b4fa6; padding-bottom:8px; margin-bottom:18px; } .tip-box { background:#f3eafa; border-left:4px solid #7b4fa6; border-radius:4px; padding:12px 16px; margin:18px 0; font-size:0.95em; } .tip-box strong { color:#3d1f5c; } .warn-box { background:#fff3e0; border-left:4px solid #e67e22; border-radius:4px; padding:12px 16px; margin:18px 0; font-size:0.95em; } .warn-box strong { color:#b94600; } .spec-table { width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; margin:20px 0; font-size:0.92em; } .spec-table th { background:#7b4fa6; color:#fff; text-align:left; padding:8px 12px; font-family:Georgia,serif; font-weight:bold; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:0.04em; font-size:0.85em; } .spec-table td { padding:7px 12px; border-bottom:1px solid #e8ddf2; vertical-align:top; } .spec-table tr:nth-child(odd) td { background:#faf7fd; } .spec-table tr:nth-child(even) td { background:#ffffff; } .spec-table td:first-child { font-weight:bold; color:#3d1f5c; white-space:nowrap; width:38%; } Hendra Betta About the Photo: The image shown is a representative example of this betta variety — it illustrates the tail type and an idea of the coloring you may receive. Bettas are living animals and each one is unique; color intensity, pattern, and fin development vary naturally from fish to fish. To choose your exact fish, see our WYSIWYG program below. Hendra Betta (Betta hendra) is a recently described wild betta species — formally named in 2013 — from the peat swamp forests of southern Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia. Named for Hendra Haryono, an Indonesian ichthyologist who contributed significantly to betta taxonomy. Males display vivid blue to blue-green iridescent scaling on a dark body with blue fin edging — a striking color combination in a small, secretive species. ⚠ Advanced Care — Sensitive Species: This species requires very soft, very acidic blackwater conditions (pH 4.0–6.0, GH 0–4 dGH) that must be maintained consistently. Even brief exposure to hard or alkaline water causes significant stress. Peat filtration, Indian almond leaves, and blackwater extract are essential — not optional. This is not a beginner or intermediate fish. Water parameters should be tested regularly and changes made gradually. Native to the blackwater peat swamp drainages of southern Kalimantan — very soft, very acidic, tannin-stained water with dense leaf litter and minimal current. One of several new betta species described from Borneo in the past two decades as systematic collecting in remote peat swamps has revealed previously unknown diversity. Males display vivid blue iridescence that is particularly striking given the dark body base. The species is a relatively recent addition to the hobby and remains uncommon — a genuine find for wild betta enthusiasts. Care requirements are demanding but similar to other Bornean peat swamp specialists. Extreme blackwater conditions with pH 4.0–6.0 and very soft water are essential. Indian almond leaves, peat filtration, and blackwater extract should all be employed. A 10-gallon species tank with dim lighting, dense leaf litter, and minimal water movement replicates the natural habitat well. Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp make excellent daily staples — wild bettas are insectivore-biased and respond well to live and frozen invertebrate prey. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Supplement 2–3 times per week with Hikari Frozen Daphnia and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms.When moving your betta to a new aquarium, add Seachem Betta Basics to the water — it neutralizes chlorine and chloramines and provides a slime coat supplement to ease the stress of transition. Use it at every water change.Indian almond leaves (Catappa) are essential for wild bettas, not merely beneficial. The tannins they release acidify the water, replicate natural blackwater chemistry, provide mild antibacterial and antifungal properties, and create the visual environment — tannin-stained, dimly lit water — in which wild bettas are most comfortable and display their best coloration. Use generously and replace monthly. This species is a paternal mouthbrooder — after spawning, the male collects the eggs and incubates them in his mouth for approximately 10–14 days until the fry are free-swimming. During this period the male will not eat and should not be disturbed. It is a remarkable behavior to observe — the male's throat visibly bulges, and he will periodically reposition the eggs in his mouth. The fry emerge as fully formed miniature versions of the adults, already capable of hunting small prey. This mouthbrooding strategy produces fewer but better-protected offspring than the bubble-nesting approach of Betta splendens. Our wild bettas are kept in individual filtered, heated, and UV-sterilized homes — each fish with its own stable, carefully maintained water environment. Wild bettas are more sensitive to water quality than domesticated varieties and are maintained accordingly. Wild bettas should be kept as species-only — they are not suitable community fish. Males of most species are aggressive toward conspecific males and can be stressed or harassed by the presence of other fish. A dedicated species aquarium gives wild bettas the stable, quiet environment they require and allows their natural behaviors to be observed fully. Hendra Betta Difficulty Advanced — experienced wild betta keepers only Temperament Territorial — species only Adult Size 2.0–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm) Group Size Species only — one male per tank Ideal Temperature 75–80°F (24–27°C) Ideal pH 4.0–6.0 Ideal GH 0–4 dGH Ideal KH 0–2 dKH Staple Food Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp Treat / Supplement Hikari Frozen Daphnia; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms Notes Housing: Species-only — not suitable for community aquariums Indian Almond Leaves: Essential — use generously Breeding: Paternal mouthbrooder — male incubates eggs 10–14 days; do not feed male during incubation New Tank: Seachem Betta Basics at setup and every water changeRecently described (2013): Named for ichthyologist Hendra Haryono; relatively new to the hobbyWater: Extreme blackwater essential
