You are bidding on a group of four young fishes (1 male and 3 females) of amazing Betta channoides (Snakehead Betta), one of the more sought after Betta species in the hobby because of its stunning adult colouration. It is included in the Betta albimarginata complex of closely-related species, an assemblage which currently includes just these two members. The maroon coloration of this betta is set off by startling, white-edged fins. This is a small species that tops out at around 5 cm in length. In its natural habitat, like Betta albimarginata, it lives in rainforest streams with leaf litter and tree roots for cover. In a dimly shaded aquarium, these somewhat reserved fish will be enticed to spawn rather easily. They are paternal mouthbrooders in which the male broods the eggs. The tank should have the tightest-fitting cover you can find as the fry need access to a layer of warm, humid air. Without this the development of the labyrinth organ can be impaired. This is a very peaceful betta which can be kept in a group. It is not recommended to keep them with big or aggressive species.
Species Summary:
| Scientific Name: | Betta channoides (Kottelat & Ng 1994) |
| Common Name(s): | Snakehead Betta |
| Family: | Osphronemidae |
| Betta Complex: | Albimarginata Complex |
| Origin or Distribution: | Sungai Mahakam Basin, East Kalimantan (Kalimantan Timur), Indonesia |
| Spawning Method: | Paternal Mouthbrooder |
| Incubation Period: | 10 to 15 Days (with 12 days being very consistent) |
| Fry Growth Rate: | Slow |
| Total Length: | 45 - 50 mm |
| General Hardness: | 0 - 5 dGH |
| pH: | 5.0 - 6.5 |
| Temperatrure Range: | 22°C - 26°C |
| Lighting: | Dimmed Light |
| Diet: | Live and Frozen Food |
| Keeping: | Less Demanding |
Below are a few links about this species. I would recommend reading the information listed there to know a little bit more about Betta channoides:
· Betta channoides at the IBC Species Maintenance Program (Profile)
· Betta channoides at Seriously Fish Website (Profile)
· I've Got a New Mouthbrooding Betta – Now What? by Mike Hellweg (Article, 2003)
· Working with Wild Bettas by Gerald Griffin (Article, 2006)
Collection is welcome though I can send the fish by express delivery with great care. All prices are listed in British Pounds (GBP). Next Day Delivery within the UK is 13.00 GBP, Europe - 40.00 GBP (next day express delivery). I post fish to most of European countries for the Next Day Delivery. For 40.00 GBP I can post up to 10 fishes the same size as Betta channoides. I can accommodate most circumstances of combining postage to cover costs. If there are any questions you have then please get in touch before you make the purchase. Thanks for looking and happy bidding!
