Aquarist Species:  Betta livida

Aquarist: Sunfish

Species Profile: Betta livida

Description:   A small species of gourami endemic to Selang, Malaysia. They reside in rapidly disappearing peat swamps and blackwater streams. Betta livida is very closely related to Betta coccina, and is mostly differentiated by its green-tipped pelvic fins (B. coccina has black-tipped pelvic fins). Both male and female B. livida tend to have blue splotches on their sides, whereas just male B. coccina tend to have splotches. However, this can vary from fish to fish.

Category:   Anabantids

Global Region:   Southeast Asia

Distribution:   Selang, Malaysia

CARES Classification:   Endangered

Aquarist Notes

Collection Point:   Klang

Genetic Line:   F1 First Generation

Year Acquired:   2025

I got a pair at a Greater Seattle Aquarium Society auction. I currently have them in a 10 gallon tank with dim lighting and a PH below 6, along with some Betta albimarginata. I haven’t had any spawning yet, and will try moving them to their own tank.