fish · Osphronemidae
Penang betta
Betta pugnax
Wild range: Southeast Asia (Asia)
At a glance: Penang betta care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Penang betta?
The compiled profile lists 22.0–27.0 °C for Penang betta (Betta pugnax). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Penang betta?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 19.0 US gallons (72.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Penang betta?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–6.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Betta pugnax lives in small, often fast-flowing forest streams in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. It shelters among overhanging bank vegetation, submerged leaf litter and exposed roots.
Where they are found
Native to the Malay Peninsula (West Malaysia) and Singapore; FishBase also lists Indonesia. It gives its name to the Betta pugnax group of mouthbrooding bettas.
Aquarium care
Keep in a covered tank with some water movement and with plants, roots and leaf litter for cover. Clean, well-oxygenated, soft to moderately hard water suits it. Pairs or small groups can share a tank that has enough hiding places.
Feeding
Feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia, with small pellets as a supplement.
Compatibility
While Betta Fish are known for their territorial nature, particularly males, they can coexist peacefully in community tanks when paired with non-aggressive species. Always monitor tank mates for any signs of stress or aggression towards the Betta, and be prepared to provide separate housing if needed.
Breeding
A paternal mouthbrooder. Spawning takes place in a shallow depression on the bottom, and the male then broods the eggs in his mouth until the fry are free-swimming. Broods of 100 or more eggs have been recorded.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.