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Falx betta (Betta falx) — Osphronemidae

Falx betta

Betta falx
Family: Osphronemidae

The Falx betta (Betta falx) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Falx betta is a small labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from fresh water of Sumatra in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 3.5 cm and has a slender body; thanks to a labyrinth organ it can gulp air in the oxygen-poor, often soft and acidic water of forest streams and swamps. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. It eats small invertebrates, insects and larvae. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Falx betta?

The Falx betta has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Falx betta live?

The Falx betta lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Falx betta get?

The Falx betta grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Falx betta dangerous to humans?

No, the Falx betta is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Falx-strijdvis sourced
English name
Falx betta sourced
Scientific name
Betta falx
Family
Osphronemidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Betta

More from the family Osphronemidae

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