Breeding Enisae Betta (Betta Enisae) In The Aquarium

Enisae Betta, Penang Betta, Alien Betta, Spotted Mouthbrooding Betta, Wild Betta Enisae

Occurrence

A freshwater species that, in its natural environment, inhabits cool, shallow forest streams and their floodplain areas, shielded from the sun, quite heavily overgrown with vegetation on the banks, and with a swamp-like substrate in Borneo and Java (Indonesia). The waters of these streams are rich in tannins and organic substances that decompose.

Physical Appearance

This Siamese fighting fish is characterized by quite variable coloring - depending on the environment/habitat from which it comes. Usually, the fish have a brown body with blue or green opalescent spots. The fish is equipped with an additional system for breathing atmospheric air - labyrinth. Males are larger, more brightly coloured (especially on the head), and their fins are more elongated compared to females. They also have a cluster of opalescent, blue pigment on the gill covers and a blue and black margin along the anal and tail fins. Females have a dark stripe running from the snout, through the eye, to the gill covers, which is less visible in males.

Temperament

Fish are somewhat skittish - especially if their companions are larger and more energetic fish. However, within the species, it is quite aggressive and territorial - especially females towards each other during the breeding season. It is therefore best to keep them in pairs or larger groups, provided we have a sufficiently large aquarium with numerous hiding places. The species is voracious - so we must be careful not to overfeed them.

Aquarium

The species prefers spacious aquariums, which are decorated in the style of black waters - a sandy substrate with a thick layer of litter (cones, dried beech, oak or almond leaves), branches and tangled roots. Numerous hiding places for fish among vegetation (e.g. winged microsorium, all kinds of crypts, Javan moss), roots or stones are necessary. Desired subdued and scattered lighting (floating vegetation), delicate filtration and free space on the water surface so that the fish have free access to moist air. To maintain optimal parameters above the water mirror and to prevent fish from jumping out - a tight aquarium cover is necessary. Regular partial water changes are essential. The Betta should be kept in a species or community aquarium with peaceful, similarly sized companions.

Reproduction

The Betta enisae is an oviparous fish. We should breed this species in a separate tank. This aquarium should have soft, slightly acidic water, at a temperature of 26ºC. It is necessary to equip the aquarium with a hiding place (pot shell or coconut shell), the addition of plants will also be a good idea. Before spawning we can separate females and males and feed them abundantly with live foods or do a partial water change. The egg-laying by the female and their fertilization by the male occurs in the typical "clutch" (entwining) for these fish, where the male wraps around the female, who remains in a belly-up position. The female lays a batch of eggs, at the same time the male releases milt - fertilization occurs. The male releases the clutch, and the female collects the eggs falling to the bottom in her mouth, to transfer them to the male after a while (the female spits the eggs towards the male), who deposits them in his throat pouch. The whole process repeats itself until the female has released all mature eggs and the male has placed them in his throat pouch. After spawning, we should catch the female as soon as possible. The male takes care of the offspring and should be left alone - stressed or inexperienced he may swallow or spit out the eggs. Incubation lasts 9-12 days (depending on the water temperature), during which time the male does not eat. After this time, the male releases fully formed fry into the water, which starts to feed. The fry should be fed 2-3 times a day.