You are bidding on a young F1 pair (male and female) of amazing and extremely rare UK bred Betta cf. ocellata «Gladiator» (Sebuku, West of Malinau). The parents are wild caught originated from Malinau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Male can be aggressive towards female if kept in a small tank. I recommend at least 80 – 90 litre tank for 1 pair. Fine gravel at the bottom, driftwood roots and branches can be used and placed such a way that a few shady spots are formed. If you can’t find driftwood of the desired shape common beech or oak is safe to use if thoroughly dried and stripped of bark. Clay plant pots or lengths of piping can also be included to provide further shelter.
The addition of dried leaf litter, with beech, oak or Ketapang almond leaves all suitable, can further emphasise the natural feel and as well as offering additional cover for the fish brings with it the growth of microbe colonies as decomposition occurs. These can provide a valuable secondary food source for fry and the tannins and other chemicals released by the decaying leaves are also considered beneficial. Fry can stay with the parents without problems; both male and female don’t touch a single fry even when they are hungry or taking food.
Like others in the genus this species seems to do best under fairly dim lighting. You could add Asian plant species that can survive under such conditions such as Java Fern, Java Moss, and a few patches of floating vegetation would be useful to diffuse the light entering the tank.
Filtration need not be too strong, with an air-powered sponge filter set to turn over gently adequate. Keep the tank well-covered and do not fill it to the top as like all Betta species it requires occasional access to the layer of humid air that will form above the water surface, and is likely an excellent jumper.
Species Summary:
| Name: | Betta cf. ocellata «Gladiator» |
| Population: | Malinau Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia |
| Family: | Osphronemidae |
| Betta Complex: | Unimaculata Complex |
| Spawning Method: | Paternal Mouthbrooder |
| Incubation Period: | 14 to 18 Days (with 14 days being very consistent) |
| Fry Growth Rate: | Average |
| Total Length: | 100 - 110 mm |
| General Hardness: | 0 - 8 dGH |
| pH: | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Temperatrure Range: | 22°C - 26°C |
| Lighting: | Dimmed Light and Floating Vegetation |
| Diet: | Live, Frozen and Dry Food |
| Keeping and Breeding: | Less Demanding |
Some general info:
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). The Next Day Delivery within the UK is 13.00 GBP. I can post to other countries as well. A parcel to most European countries will cost 20.00 GBP. A parcel to the USA, Canada and other countries will cost 35.00 GBP. Delivery outside the UK usually takes 5 working days (not guaranteed). I you order abroad I can’t be responsible for any loses due to cold weather, delays, customs problems, etc. 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 a bid. Thanks for looking and happy bidding!
