Betta albimarginata

Betta Albimarginata: The Whiteseam Fighter Fish Care Guide

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The Betta albimarginata is a wild-type betta native to Indonesia. I can guess what you’re thinking, another betta species? But trust me when I say this type of betta is worth your time!

Once I saw a Betta albimarginata for the first time, I knew I had to add it to my betta collection. It’s just so darn pretty! Everyone who sees it falls in love with its unique coloration.

In this guide, I’ll review everything you need to know about Betta albimarginata care. I’ve got you covered, from diet and habitat to tank mates and breeding. So let’s get started!

Betta Albimarginata Overview

Betta Albimarginata Info
Scientific NameBetta Albimarginata
Common Name(s)Whiteseam Fighter, Ikan Bettah, Strawberry Betta, White Fin Betta, and White Edge Fighting Fish
OriginIndonesia
Temperature Range76ยฐ and 85ยฐF
pH4.0 โ€“ 6.5
Adult size1 to 2 inches
DietCarnivorous

Betta Albimarginata Origin & Habitat

These bettas come from Sebuku River, Borneo, in the Kalimantan Timur province, Indonesia. They exist in Indonesia’s “Sebuku” and “Malinau” regions. Still, the ones in Sebuku usually grow to be bigger than their Malinau counterparts.

These tropical fish live in average flowing shallow water streams around 5-10 cm (2.0-3.9 inches) deep, with neighboring plants and trees and forest debris.

In addition, Betta albimarginata can endure in murky pools and bustling hill streams. Further, they are able to tolerate unforgiving environments such as highly acidic water peat swamps.

Betta Albimarginata Size

The Betta albimarginata grows to an average size of 2 inches as long as you provide them with a good diet and ample swimming space.

Betta Albimarginata Lifespan

It is pretty disappointing that Betta albimarginata only live for about 2-3 years on average in captivity. Thus, providing them with the best care possible is essential to ensure they live a long and healthy life.

Betta Albimarginata Vs Betta Channoides

Betta albimarginata and Betta channoides are two closely related species making it hard to tell them apart for most people.

However, the easiest method is to look for the presence of black on a male Betta albimarginata’s tail. The black coloration on a male Betta channoides does not reach all the way down its tail, so be careful going home with the wrong betta!

How To Care for My Betta Albimarginata in My Home Tank?

 

Water Requirements

 

Water Quality

Betta albimarginata are very tolerant of a wide range of water quality. However, this doesn’t mean you should slack off on maintaining good water quality for your fish.

To ensure your Betta albimarginata stays healthy, you should do a weekly 25-50% water change. This will help remove any surface toxins in the water that can lead to health problems for your fish.

When doing water changes, make sure to use a de-chlorinator to remove any harmful chemicals from the tap water. I recommend using Seachem Prime as it’s one of the best dechlorinators on the market and very affordable.

Also, using an aquarium vacuum to clean the gravel and remove any uneaten food or waste would be best. This way, you’ll keep your Betta albimarginata’s home clean and tidy, and your fish will be much happier!

Water Temperature

These species come from warm tropical climates in Indonesia. To mimic their natural habitat, you should maintain the water temperature at 76ยฐ and 85ยฐF.

If you live in an area with a cold climate, you can use an aquarium heater to maintain the water temperature within the ideal range.

I recommend using an aquarium thermometer to keep track of the water temperature. This way, you can be sure that your Betta albimarginata is comfortable and won’t get shocked by sudden temperature changes.

Water pH

This betta species loves acidic waters similar to those they would find in peat swamp forests. The ideal pH range for Betta albimarginata is between 4.0 and 6.5.

You can add Indian almond leaves to their water or moss balls to achieve this. Also, you may have to add an osmosis unit to their water if the pH is too high.

Water Hardness

Betta albimarginata are very tolerant of water hardness and can live in both soft and hard water. However, they prefer water on the softer side with a GH of 18-90ppm.

Tank Setup

 

Tank Size

Betta albimarginata are quite aggressive fish, so they need a lot of space to themselves. To offer the best possible life for these guys, you should provide at least a 5-gallon tank for each fish.

Although a 10-gallon tank is adequate for a pair, they prefer a 20-gallon tank since it more precisely replicates the natural, shallow streams in Borneo’s rainforest.

Decorations

When you move to a new home, one of the first things you do is add your personal touch to the place to make it feel like yours. Betta albimarginata are no different!

They love hiding places and structures in their tanks that they can claim as their own. Add debris, roots, and branches to create corner spaces for your fish that serve as additional protection.

In addition, providing them with leaf litter in their habitat will give them a place to forage and make them feel more at home. The decomposition of the leaf litter produces beneficial bacteria and a supplementary food source for fry bettas.

Filtration System

The Betta albimarginata resides in murky, stagnant waters in the wild and is used to living in environments with very poor water quality. However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect their filtration needs!

Also, they need slow-moving water to help them stay healthy and comfortable. You can use a sponge filter to replicate these conditions in their tank.

Tank Lid

These cuties need humid air to help them breathe, so you should make sure to cover their tank with a lid. Also, this will prevent them from jumping out of their tank and becoming injured.

Not only can these little fish jump relatively high, but they’re also superb at finding the tiniest of gaps to squirm through.

Once, I was changing the water in my betta’s tank, I turned my back for one second, and he was gone. I found him an hour later swimming around in my toilet. So, yeah, make sure to put a lid on their tank!

Betta Albimarginata Compatibility

As I mentioned, Betta albimarginata are quite aggressive fish, so they are not the best tank mates for other bettas. However, they can live peacefully with certain species of fish with similar needs.

Some Compatible Tank Mates for Betta Albimarginata Include:

  • Tetras
  • Danios
  • Snails
  • Loaches

Betta Albimarginata Diet

In the wild, the Betta albimarginata is a carnivore that will eat anything from insects to tiny invertebrates and zooplankton.

In captivity, you should provide them with a diet that consists of live foods, frozen foods, and pellets.

Some good food options for Betta albimarginata include:

  • Daphnia
  • Artemia
  • Bloodworm
  • Pellets
  • Dry food

However, it would be best if you took care when feeding them as they are prone to obesity.

The best way to feed them is small amounts several times a day rather than one large meal. You can also prevent obesity by skipping a day of feeding once a week.

Betta Albimarginata Gender Difference

Telling the difference between a male and female Betta albimarginata can be pretty tricky since they both have similar colors and patterns. However, there are a few physical differences that you can look for.

For example, you can identify the male fish by its dark head, red-orange coloration, and white outer lines on the fins and tail.

In contrast, the female fish’s colors are duller, usually some combination of ash grey and black stripes. Additionally, their fins are either clear or black.

When fish reach breeding age, both genders display specific color changes. The females will develop a deep reddish-brown coloration with vertical bars. At the same time, the male’s colors will intensify.

Betta Albimarginata Breeding

Breeding Betta albimarginata is an easy task since they are egg layers. However, you should set up a breeding tank before attempting to breed them.

Once you introduce the female betta to the breeding tank, the male betta will quickly follow. After a few hours, the male will start to construct a bubble nest at the surface of the water.

After the nest is complete, the male and female fish will shed eggs and milt in what’s called a “betta fish embrace.” This means that the male wraps his body around the female. They may do this many times before spawning begins and releasing the eggs.

After fertilizing the eggs, the male betta catches them on his anal fin. Then the female picks them up with her mouth and spits them out into the water for the male to catch.

This species is a mouthbrooder, which means the male betta incubates the eggs in his mouth while the female leaves the breeding site.

The average brood size for the Betta albimarginata is only 10 eggs, which makes this species quite small. For about 10 to 21 days, the male will incubate the eggs in his mouth without food.

If a male is inexperienced or stressed, he might swallow the eggs before they have time to hatch. To avoid this problem, it’s best to leave the breeding pair together for about a week so that the female can help care for the eggs.

After the father lets go of the fry, you should take him out and place him in isolation so he can recover and gain some weight back.

Additionally, use cling film or a tight-fitting lid to cover the tank containing your betta fry, allowing them to develop their labyrinth organ properly. It could damage the labyrinth organ if they don’t have enough warm, humid air during this stage.

When the fry hatch from their eggs, they are already quite large and can eat live foods, including baby brine shrimp and infusoria.

You should feed them twice to three times a day to promote optimum growth development.

FAQs

How Often Should I Feed My Betta Albimarginata?

You should feed your Betta albimarginata small amounts of food several times a day rather than one large meal. Additionally, you can prevent overfeeding by skipping a day of feeding once a week.

What Is the Difference Between a Male and Female Betta Albimarginata?

The male Betta albimarginata has a dark head, red-orange coloration, and white outer lines on the fins and tail. In contrast, the female fish’s colors are duller, usually some combination of ash grey and black stripes. Additionally, their fins are either clear or black.

When Do Betta Albimarginata Change Color?

Betta albimarginata change color when they reach breeding age. The female’s body and fins will turn a dark reddish-brown with vertical bars around her body, while the male’s colors will intensify.

Additionally, both genders may display specific color changes during spawning.

Last Words

The Betta albimarginata is a beautiful and unique fish that makes a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.

These fish are easy to care for and breed, so they are perfect for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

With their striking colors and patterns, Betta albimarginata will surely add some wow factor to your tank!

Do you have a Betta Albimarginata? What do you think of this fish? Let us know in the comments below!

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