Fin's Fish Guide
The Selangor red fighter (Betta livida) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Selangor red fighter is a small, threatened betta from fresh water of peninsular Malaysia, in oxygen-poor peat-swamp water. The species grows to about 4 cm; males have a dark body with green-blue iridescent scales and red fin accents, while females are plainer. As a labyrinth fish it can gulp air at the surface. The male is a mouthbrooder that carries the eggs and young in its mouth. Owing to loss of peat swamps the species has declined sharply. The IUCN assesses it as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Selangor red fighter?
The Selangor red fighter has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Glossy green-blue scales; mouthbrooding labyrinth fish of peat swamps
Where does the Selangor red fighter live?
The Selangor red fighter lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Peninsular Malaysia
How big does the Selangor red fighter get?
The Selangor red fighter grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Selangor red fighter dangerous to humans?
No, the Selangor red fighter 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 Selangor red fighter edible?
The Selangor red fighter is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Betta
More from the family Osphronemidae
Want the complete picture on the Selangor red fighter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Selangor red fighter is one of 12,519 species in the app.