Betta mandor — Breeding & Rearing
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Taxonomy |
Order: Anabantiformes Family: Osphronemidae Genus: Betta Complex: Coccina group Species: Betta mandor (Tan, 2006) |
| Natural Habitat |
Kalimantan Barat (West Borneo), Mandor region. Peat swamp forest, leaf‑litter pools, slow forest streams. pH 3.8–5.0, conductivity 15–40 µS/cm, heavy tannins, low light. |
| Adult Morphology |
Males 45–55 mm, mahogany‑red body, blue/green opercular sheen, elongated anal fin. Females smaller, lighter brown‑red, shorter fins, visible ovipositor. |
| Breeding Triggers |
Conductivity <40 µS/cm pH 4.0–4.8 25–27°C Heavy botanicals Dim lighting Live‑food conditioning 10–14 days |
| Courtship Behaviour |
Slow lateral flaring, body undulation. Female leads male to cave or leaf tube. Gentle repeated embraces. |
| Spawning Method |
Cave‑spawning bubble‑nest hybrid. Small bubble cluster in leaf tube, coconut cave, or root cavity. Male guards eggs. |
| Egg Development |
20–40 eggs 36–48 h incubation Free‑swimming day 3–4 Male guards until dispersal Fungus‑prone outside soft acidic water |
| Larval Stage |
Remain in nest until yolk absorbed. First feeding day 3–4. Require micro‑foods. Sensitive to current and light. |
| Fry Rearing |
Infusoria, rotifers, paramecium Artemia day 10–12 pH <5.0 first month 5–10% daily drip changes Still water, minimal flow |
| Juvenile Development |
Colour at 6–7 weeks Sexing at 10–12 weeks Shy juveniles, need cover Moderate aggression |
| Genetic Considerations |
Maintain line purity. Avoid mixing with similar coccina species. Outcross every 3–4 generations. Track locality if known. |
| Health & Disease |
Sensitive to bacterial blooms, TDS spikes, pH >5.5, strong filtration. Use botanicals; avoid harsh meds. |
| Production Scaling |
Moderate yield. Best bred in small pairs. Suitable for conservation programmes. |
Rearing Protocol Summary
Conditioning Adults
- Blackworms, grindal worms, mosquito larvae
- TDS <40 ppm
- Botanicals (catappa, oak, peat fibre)
Spawning Setup
- 15–25 L tank
- Leaf tubes, coconut caves, root tangles
- 5–10% light intensity
- Water depth 12–18 cm
Fry First Foods
- Infusoria
- Rotifers
- Paramecium
- Microworms (sparingly)
Growth Management
- Daily micro‑changes
- Zero current
- Weekly botanicals
- Separate sexes 10–12 weeks
Notes for Keepers
Betta mandor requires soft, acidic, tannin‑rich water and low light. Suitable for conservation‑focused breeding.
