Betta coccina, also known as the Scarlet Betta, is a striking wild Betta species recognized for its deep red coloration and elegant appearance. It thrives in soft, acidic blackwater environments and is favored by aquarists for its beauty and relatively peaceful temperament compared to other Bettas.
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Betta coccina, also known as the Scarlet Betta, is a striking wild Betta species recognized for its deep red coloration and elegant appearance. It thrives in soft, acidic blackwater environments and is favored by aquarists for its beauty and relatively peaceful temperament compared to other Bettas.
Slender-bodied fish with vivid red coloration; males are brighter and have longer fins. Occasionally show iridescent green or blue highlights on the body or fins.
2–4 years (in captivity with proper care)
Carnivorous; enjoys live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and can adapt to high-quality micro-pellets.
Betta coccina is a beautiful wild Betta that thrives in natural-style blackwater aquariums. With proper care, it rewards aquarists with stunning coloration and unique breeding behavior.
Intermediate – requires stable soft/acidic water and a calm setup.
10 gallons (species-only tank recommended)
4.0–6.5
0–8 dGH
75–82°F (24–28°C)
Up to 2.2 inches (5.6 cm)
Tiny peaceful species adapted to soft/acidic water (e.g., Boraras spp., small rasboras, kuhli loaches). Best in species tank.
Large, aggressive, or fin-nipping fish; species that require hard/alkaline water; small shrimp which may be eaten.
Betta coccina
Osphronemidae
Southeast Asia – Malaysia and Sumatra, Indonesia
Can be kept singly, in pairs, or small groups with enough cover; relatively peaceful for a Betta but males may spar.
Offer a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and microworms; supplement with high-quality Betta micro-pellets. Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.
Bubble-nest builder; males construct nests at the surface and guard eggs and fry.
Condition with live foods; provide floating plants and calm water surface. Males build bubble nests under leaves or cover. Eggs hatch in 1–2 days; fry become free-swimming after 3–5 days.
pH: 4.0–6.5, Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C), Hardness: 0–8 dGH
Prone to bacterial infections and fin rot if water quality declines; stress in hard/alkaline water; susceptible to parasites if wild-caught.
Generally peaceful but territorial during breeding; less aggressive than Betta splendens.
Active but calm swimmer, enjoys shaded areas and hiding spots. Males become territorial when guarding bubble nests.
Betta coccina originates from peat swamp forests in Malaysia and Sumatra, where they inhabit tannin-rich, soft, and acidic waters. They remain small, usually around 2 inches in length, and display a brilliant red coloration. In aquariums, they require dim lighting, abundant vegetation, leaf litter, and soft acidic water to thrive. Males create bubble nests for breeding and guard the fry until they are free-swimming. They do best in species-only tanks or carefully selected communities of peaceful micro fish from similar habitats.