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: Asia
Distribution: Selang, Malaysia
CARES Classification: Endangered
Collection Point: Klang
Genetic Line: F1 First Generation
Year Acquired: 2025
I got a pair from Kent Lawrence at the August 2025 Greater Seattle Aquarium Society auction. I currently have them in a tank with dim lighting and some Betta albimarginata. I haven’t had any spawning yet, and will try moving them to their own tank to see if that helps.