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Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) — Osphronemidae

Javan fighting fish

Betta picta
Family: Osphronemidae

The Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Javan fighting fish is a small labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from fresh water of Java and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 6 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 Javan fighting fish?

The Javan fighting fish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Javan fighting fish live?

The Javan fighting fish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Javan fighting fish get?

The Javan fighting fish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Javan fighting fish dangerous to humans?

No, the Javan fighting fish 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 Javan fighting fish edible?

Yes, the Javan fighting fish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) — Osphronemidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ganjar Cahyadi, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) — Osphronemidae — 3
Florida Museum of Natural History Ichthyology (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — UF
Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) — Osphronemidae — 4
Ganjar Cahyadi (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) — Osphronemidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Ahsan al hidayat, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Javan fighting fish sourced
Scientific name
Betta picta
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Spotted betta; Java fightingfish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
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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