Description

A small, wine-colored labyrinth fish native to the peat swamps of Bangka Island, Indonesia. Betta burdigala is very closely related to Betta uberis, and they may even be the same species, according to F S Valen et al.'s 2023 genetic study. Currently, B. burdigala is differentiated from B. Uberis by having a more rounded head than B. Uberis, a shorter, more robust body, and typically less intense blue scaling over its base red color. It also has shorter fin bars and a weaker body mask.

Category:   Anabantids

Global Region:   Southeast Asia

Distribution:   Bangka Island, Indonesia

CARES Classification:   Critically Endangered

Reference Links

IBC Species Maintenance Program—Betta burdigala

SHOAL Conservation—Safeguarding Bangka’s Hidden Gem: Conserving Betta burdigala

SHOAL Conservation—Sanctuary: a fundraising effort to save Betta burdigala

University of Leeds—The Betta burdigala project – saving a species

Seriously Fish—Betta burdigala

Inglorious Bettas—Betta burdigala

Unveiling the close relationship between Betta burdigala and Betta uberis through DNA barcoding based on COI Gene

Journey to the Water—Betta Series 34.1 B. burdigala

Red Wine Bettas—A 'Lateral' Issue