IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Threatened by habitat loss and peat-swamp degradation) Imported on December 10, 2025 — shipping begins on December 22, 2025 Important note: These fish are wild-caught, please proceed with caution. Betta mandor (“Mandor Betta”) Betta mandor is a striking species from the forested blackwater peat-swamps of West Kalimantan, Borneo (Indonesia). It inhabits shallow, shaded, leaf-littered pools and slow-moving creeks with extremely soft, acidic water rich in humic substances. Males display deep red-brown body tones, metallic blue highlights, and pronounced dark barring, while females are smaller and more subdued but still attractively patterned. Like other members of the coccina complex, B. mandor requires very stable softwater conditions, abundant cover, and a quiet, dimly lit aquarium to thrive. Size:Adults reach approximately 4.5–5 cm (≈ 1.8–2.0″) total length. Water parameters:Soft, acidic blackwater conditions are ideal.pH 4.0 – 6.0GH ≤ 3 °dKH ≤ 1 °dTDS < 100 ppmProvide deep leaf litter, driftwood, botanicals, and floating plants to create shade and replicate their natural peat-swamp environment. Gentle or no flow is preferred. Temperature:24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F); stable temperatures promote strong coloration and breeding activity. Food:Carnivorous. Offer a variety of live or frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, daphnia, grindal worms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.They may accept some high-quality micro-pellets or soft granules once acclimated, though live foods greatly enhance condition, color, and breeding performance. Tankmates:Best kept as a pair or small group in a heavily structured aquarium.Males may display territorial behavior, particularly during breeding, but B. mandor is generally less aggressive than some related species when given adequate cover.Tankmates, if any, should be tiny, peaceful softwater species such as Boraras, Sundadanio, or small Pangio loaches.Dim lighting and dense planting are strongly recommended. Breeding:Betta mandor is a paternal mouthbrooder.Courtship involves the male wrapping around the female in a gentle embrace, after which he collects the eggs in his mouth for incubation.The male broods the eggs for 10–14 days, depending on temperature, and should not be disturbed during this period.Fry are released fully formed and can take newly hatched baby brine shrimp, microworms, or moina immediately. Important note:As wild-caught Betta mandor, these fish are sensitive to sudden changes in pH, hardness, and temperature.Acclimate slowly and maintain soft, acidic, tannin-rich water with minimal fluctuations.Provide abundant structure—roots, leaves, caves, and botanicals—to reduce stress and support natural behavior.Monitor male–male interactions closely, especially during breeding.A calm, dim, mature blackwater aquarium is essential for long-term success.This fish is highly vulnerable in the wild, and only aquarists with solid experience keeping peat-swamp species should attempt to maintain it.
