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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Plesiopidae (Longfins)
Natural Range: Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 10 to 148 ft. Size: 7.75 in. Jumps: No Space: 55+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Shrimp, crabs, small fish
Natural History: The Marine Betta is found on reef slopes, faces, and lagoons. It is reclusive and spends most of its time under refuge among rocks and corals. It has been observed singly, in pairs, and in small groups. It often shares refuges with small shrimp and other reclusive fish species. It hunts by using its large pelvic fins to distract prey before it lunges and eats them. The Marine Betta may also be a Whitemouth Moray mimic, using its fins and peculiar posturing at its refuge entrance to mimic the head of the moray eel.
Husbandry: The Marine Betta is very hardy and resistant to all types of bacterial or protozoal infection. They usually will not eat shrimp or small fish that were present i their aquarium during acclimation, but may attack and eat newly introduced small fish or ornamental shrimp after acclimation. This species is reclusive and difficult to feed during acclimation and may require live food such as guppies or shrimp. They tend to be more reclusive in brightly lit aquariums. Marine Bettas may be harassed by larger more aggressive tankmates. They also regularly feed on bristleworms and small crustaceans associated with live rock and may not require regular feedings.
AKA: Comet, Sea Betta