Indonesian Blackwater Trio Combo Pack – Betta albimarginata, Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan (“Licorice Gourami – Bintan Form”), and Boraras merah

Indonesian Blackwater Trio Combo Pack – Betta albimarginata, Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan (“Licorice Gourami – Bintan Form”), and Boraras merah

Recommended tank size: 15 to 20 gallon

Includes:
1× Betta albimarginata pair (location Malinau)
5× Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan
6× Boraras merah

Experience a true Southeast Asian peat-swamp community with this carefully selected blackwater trio. This combination features a pair of wild-type Betta albimarginata, five Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan, and six Boraras merah — species that thrive in soft, acidic, tannin-rich forest waters of Indonesia.

The Betta albimarginata pair provides bold contrast and fascinating paternal mouthbrooding behavior. Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan add subtle iridescence and intricate cave-spawning displays, while Boraras merah contribute vibrant red coloration and active schooling movement. Together they form a peaceful, visually layered, and behaviorally dynamic blackwater ecosystem.

Size:

Betta albimarginata: up to 5 cm (≈ 2″)
Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan: about 3–3.5 cm (≈ 1.2–1.4″)
Boraras merah: about 1.5–2 cm (≈ 0.6–0.8″)

Water parameters:
Soft, acidic, clean water is essential.
pH 4.5 – 6.5
GH ≤ 5 °d
KH ≤ 2 °d
TDS < 120 ppm

Heavy leaf litter, driftwood, botanicals, caves, and dim lighting are strongly recommended to replicate natural peat-swamp conditions. Gentle flow and a mature, stable aquarium are critical.

Temperature:
24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F); stable warmth promotes health and breeding behavior.

Food:
All species thrive on small live and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and microworms.

High-quality micro pellets may be used as supplemental feeding.
Live food is required, Parosphromenus only eat live food.

Compatibility & behavior:
Peaceful and naturally compatible when provided with structure and cover.

Betta albimarginata occupy lower levels and territories near wood and leaf litter.
Parosphromenus sp. cf. bintan utilizes lower to mid-level shaded zones and cave structures.
Boraras merah school actively in the mid to upper water column, adding constant movement without disturbing the other species.

Their shared environmental requirements make this trio cohesive and harmonious in a properly structured blackwater aquarium.

Why this combo works:
All three species share similar water chemistry needs, feeding habits, and calm temperaments. The vertical space is naturally divided — bottom (Betta), low-to-mid (Parosphromenus), and mid-to-high (Boraras) — reducing territorial conflict and creating a balanced, authentic Indonesian peat-swamp display.

When housed in a tannin-rich, heavily structured setup, this trio becomes both visually striking and behaviorally fascinating.