Betta Rubra "Aceh" - Wild CAUGHT| Wild Type Bettas

IUCN Red List: Endangered (High risk of extinction in the wild)

Imported on December 10, 2025 — shipping begins on December 22, 2025

Important note: These fish are wild-caught, please proceed with caution.

Betta rubra (“Aceh Red Betta”)

Betta rubra is a charismatic and increasingly rare wild betta originating from the cool, forested peat-swamp and stream systems of northern Sumatra, specifically the Aceh region of Indonesia. These habitats are shaded, softwater drainages rich in leaf litter and humic substances, producing the characteristic tea-colored blackwater that this species depends on. Males display striking red barring along the body, dark facial markings, and subtle iridescence, while females are more subdued in color but still clearly patterned. B. rubra is often considered one of the more peaceful members of the coccina complex, though still requiring careful husbandry and stable, low-mineral conditions.

Size:
Adults typically reach 4–5 cm (≈ 1.6–2.0″) total length.

Water parameters:
Soft, acidic, blackwater conditions are ideal.
pH 4.0 – 6.0
GH ≤ 3 °d
KH ≤ 1 °d
TDS < 100 ppm
Provide leaf litter, driftwood tangles, botanicals, and floating plants to produce shade and replicate their natural Aceh forest-stream environment. Gentle or no current is preferred.

Temperature:
22 – 26 °C (72 – 79 °F); slightly cooler than some related species, reflecting their native highland-influenced peat streams. Maintain stability for long-term health and breeding readiness.

Food:
Carnivorous. Offer live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, grindal worms, and mosquito larvae.
They may accept high-quality micro-pellets over time, but live foods are strongly recommended to maintain coloration, activity, and breeding condition.

Tankmates:
Best kept as a pair or in a small group with ample cover.
Generally more tolerant of conspecifics than some other red bettas, but males may still become territorial during courtship or in tight spaces.
Suitable tankmates include only very peaceful, tiny softwater species such as Boraras, Sundadanio, or small loaches like Neohomaloptera johorensis, provided the aquarium is heavily structured and dimly lit.
Bright lighting or strong flow should be avoided.

Breeding:
Betta rubra is a paternal mouthbrooder. After a brief courtship ritual, the male collects and incubates the eggs in his mouth, protecting them until they are released.
Incubation typically lasts 10–14 days, depending on temperature.
Males should not be stressed or disturbed while brooding, as this may cause premature spitting or swallowing of the developing fry.
Once released, fry are relatively robust and can begin with newly hatched baby brine shrimp or microworms.

Important note:
Because Betta rubra from Aceh are wild-caught, they are sensitive to sudden shifts in pH, hardness, or temperature.
Acclimate slowly and maintain a soft, acidic, tannin-rich water environment with minimal environmental fluctuations.
Provide abundant structure — roots, branches, caves, and leaf litter — to reduce stress, create visual barriers, and support natural behavior.
Although typically peaceful, monitor group dynamics closely, especially during breeding cycles.