Imported on 2/27/26, shipping start on 3/9/26 IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered (Extremely high risk of extinction in the wild) Important note: These fish are wild-caught, please proceed with caution. Betta hendra (“Hendra Betta”) Betta hendra is a rare and captivating member of the Betta coccina complex, native to the peat-swamp forests of Central Kalimantan, Borneo (Indonesia). In the wild, it inhabits shallow, tea-colored pools and forest streams shaded by dense canopy, where the water is extremely soft, acidic, and rich in tannins. Males display brilliant iridescent blue-green flanks, black throats, and subtle red-brown body tones, while females are smaller and less intensely colored. This is a striking wild betta species that requires careful attention and a stable, mature setup. Size:Adults reach approximately 4–4.5 cm (≈ 1.5–1.8″) total length. Water parameters:Soft, acidic, blackwater conditions are ideal.pH 4.0 – 6.5GH ≤ 3 °dKH ≤ 1 °dTDS < 100 ppmProvide gentle flow, dense vegetation, floating plants, and leaf litter to replicate a shaded peat-swamp environment. Temperature:24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F); maintain stability for optimal health and breeding behavior. Food:Carnivorous. Offer a varied diet of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mosquito larvae.May accept high-quality micro-pellets or soft granules once acclimated, though live foods bring out their best color and condition. Tankmates:Best kept as a pair or in a small, carefully monitored group.They can be aggressive or territorial, particularly males during breeding, so close observation is essential.Compatible only with very peaceful, tiny soft-water fish such as Boraras or Sundadanio, provided there is sufficient cover and space.Prefers calm, dimly lit setups with plenty of plants, roots, and botanicals. Breeding:Betta hendra are cave spawners — the male typically selects a small, sheltered cavity beneath driftwood, leaves, or in a cave-like structure to build his bubble nest. Courtship takes place inside or near the cave, where the male embraces the female, collects the eggs, and places them within the nest. He then guards and tends the eggs until they hatch.Eggs hatch in 24–48 hours, and fry become free-swimming after 3–4 days.Feed fry with infusoria or vinegar eels initially, followed by baby brine shrimp as they grow. Important note:Because Betta hendra are wild-caught, they are more sensitive to changes in water parameters and require careful acclimation.Maintain soft, acidic, tannin-rich water with stable temperature and minimal disturbance.Monitor behavior closely — while often peaceful, males can become territorial and aggressive toward each other in confined spaces.Providing caves, roots, and leaf litter helps reduce aggression and supports their natural spawning behavior.
