Betta Foerschi

Datasheet

General Description

Populations of Betta Foerschi from different localities are often labelled to preserve pure bloodlines. This species belongs to the Betta foerschi group and shares characteristics such as iridescent blue or green unpaired fins and a dorsal fin with a bright white distal band. Members of this group are related to bubble nesting Betta species and share similarities in morphology and reproductive strategies. Betta Foerschi is closely related to B. mandor, with slight variations in characteristics like scale counts and fin lengths. The genus Betta, to which Betta Foerschi belongs, is highly diverse and adapts to various ecological niches, from stagnant ditches to acidic peat swamp forests.

Aquarium Setup

Maintaining Betta Foerschi in a decorated aquarium without substrate is ideal for ease of maintenance. Decor elements like driftwood, roots, and branches should be added to create shaded spots. Clay plant pots or piping can provide further shelter. Dried leaf litter can be included to offer cover and promote microbe colonies for fry food. Dim lighting is preferred, and plants like Microsorum, Taxiphyllum, or Cryptocoryne species thrive in such conditions. The tank should have soft, acidic water with minimal carbonate and general hardness. Gentle filtration with an air-powered sponge filter is recommended, and the tank must be well-covered to allow occasional access to the layer of humid air above the water surface.

Behaviour

Betta Foerschi is not suitable for standard community aquariums due to its care requirements and disposition. It is best kept alone or with very peaceful species. While some suggest maintaining them in pairs or harem-type groups, others warn of sustained aggression by dominant individuals towards weaker conspecifics. Proper research is crucial before introducing them to a tank, as their behavior can vary.

Feeding and Diet

In nature, Betta Foerschi likely preys on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Captive individuals readily accept dried products but should be regularly provided with small live or frozen foods like Daphnia, Artemia, or chironomid larvae to maintain optimal coloration and condition. Overfeeding should be avoided as Betta species are prone to obesity.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Betta Foerschi is a paternal mouthbrooder, requiring a separate breeding aquarium with a tight-fitting cover to maintain warm, humid air for fry development. Courtship involves the male wrapping around the female during spawning, after which the male collects the eggs in his mouth. The eggs incubate for 8-14 days before the male releases free-swimming fry. Males are more colorful than females and develop extended unpaired fins, with distinct opercular bar colors.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is found in forest swamp streams and pools in Kalimantan Tengah and Kalimantan Barat provinces in Indonesian Borneo. Its habitat features shallow, shaded waters with minimal dissolved minerals, low pH, and abundant organic debris. Betta Foerschi thrives in blackwater environments with dense vegetation and submerged tree roots, adapting to a variety of ecological niches within its limited distribution range.