Penang Betta

Penang Betta

Betta pugnax

Also known as: Forest Betta

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟡 Moderate 🥩 Carnivore

Large mouthbrooding betta from Malaysia with a robust body and earthy brown-green coloring. Males develop blue-green iridescence on gill plates. One of the first wild bettas described.

Tank Size

15 gal
minimum (20+ preferred)

Temperature

72–80°F
22–27°C

pH Range

5.5–7
water acidity

Max Size

3"
7.6 cm

Lifespan

3–5 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Middle
preferred zone

Care Notes

Paternal mouthbrooder that does well in community tanks with peaceful fish. More tolerant of varying water conditions than many wild bettas. Keep in pairs or small groups.

Feeding

Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and quality pellets. Accepts dry food more readily than most wild bettas.

Compatible Tank Mates

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2" Bloodfin Tetra 2" Lemon Tetra 1.5" Black Neon Tetra 1.5" Diamond Tetra 2.5"

Use Caution With

Ember Tetra 0.8" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Buenos Aires Tetra 3" Silvertip Tetra 2" Phoenix Rasbora 0.8" Exclamation Point Rasbora 0.7" Colombian Tetra 2.5" Giant Danio 4" Kubotai Rasbora 0.8" Blue Tetra 2.5"

Incompatible With

White Cloud Mountain Minnow 1.5" Oscar 14" Discus 8" Jack Dempsey 10" Convict Cichlid 5" Green Terror 8" Texas Cichlid 12" Pike Cichlid 10" Salvini Cichlid 8" Red Devil 12" Jaguar Cichlid 16" Flowerhorn 12"

Check Compatibility

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