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Tom's betta (Betta tomi) — Osphronemidae

Tom's betta

Betta tomi
Family: Osphronemidae

The Tom's betta (Betta tomi) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Malaysia

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Description

The Tom's betta is a small labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from fresh water of the southern Malay Peninsula and Singapore. The species grows to about 7 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 Tom's betta?

The Tom's betta has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Tom's betta live?

The Tom's betta lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Malaysia

How big does the Tom's betta get?

The Tom's betta grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Tom's betta dangerous to humans?

No, the Tom's 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.

More photos

Tom's betta (Betta tomi) — Osphronemidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Zakqary Roy, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Tom's betta (Betta tomi) — Osphronemidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Zakqary Roy (CC BY 4.0)
Tom's betta (Betta tomi) — Osphronemidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Aiman Azmi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Tom's betta sourced
Scientific name
Betta tomi
Family
Osphronemidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 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: Malaysia 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

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

Fin

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