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Giant betta (Betta anabatoides) — Osphronemidae

Giant betta

Betta anabatoides
Family: Osphronemidae

The Giant betta (Betta anabatoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–1.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The giant betta is a labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from blackwater peat swamps and forest streams of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, grey-brown body with a fine scale pattern that shines metallically. As a labyrinth fish it can gulp air at the surface and tolerate oxygen-poor water. It hunts small invertebrates and larvae; the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Giant betta?

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

Where does the Giant betta live?

The Giant betta lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Giant betta get?

The Giant betta grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Giant betta dangerous to humans?

No, the Giant betta is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Giant betta edible?

Yes, the Giant betta is commonly eaten.

More photos

Giant betta (Betta anabatoides) — Osphronemidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Giant betta (Betta anabatoides) — Osphronemidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Giant betta (Betta anabatoides) — Osphronemidae — 4
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
Giant betta (Betta anabatoides) — Osphronemidae — 5
iNaturalist (no rights reserved)
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All data

Identification

English name
Giant betta sourced
Scientific name
Betta anabatoides
Family
Osphronemidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
1.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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