Pair Betta Howong Unimaculata 7cm

Pair Betta Howong Unimaculata

The Betta Unimaculata is regarded to be one of the pinnacle species amongst the avid betta community. They have a dwarf snakehead-style body shape, and beautiful colours and are most suitable for experienced aquarists. These are not easy to find in Australia and even in the wild, they have a very limited range in the wild being exclusive to small waterways in Indonesia. This species in particular is often used as a gateway to the unimaculata betta complex to gain experience before aquarists aim to keep the holy grail being the betta macrostoma.

The betta unimaculata can display some pretty striking differences depending on the geographical range it comes from. This pair, in particular, the howong region unimaculata has got some absolutely stunning colouration once matured. They are instantly recognized for their metallic blue scales that come in various shades. These scales start from the lip and travel all the way to the start of the tail but the fins also carry this colour. The gradients of light to dark blue in the fins and body is something that you can only really appreciate when seeing these fish in person. To add some unique contrast, they have a dark green almost brown colouration across the nape of their body which also rims all the scales to create a netting effect. The betta unimaculata will reach around 10-12 cm with a long, torpedo-like body. They have a large, trap jaw-like mouth and short fins unlike the more commonly recognised fancy betta varieties. Though both males and females look great, the males particularly in this species are the ones that carry colours the best. 

The betta unimaculata is a species that really does need a dedicated aquarium setting. A lot of care must be taken with compatibility, environment and aquarium size, which is why this fish is best left to well-experienced aquarists. Though captive breeding of this species does require a lot of dedication, it can be done. Achieving this is not only an amazing feat but also helps out this threatened species immensely as more captive-bred fish can be spread through the hobby instead of wild-caught fish. Males just like many other betta species tend to be more brightly coloured whereas females are much darker with two dark stripes running horizontally from head to tail. Betta unimaculata are a mouth-brooding species, the male will incubate fertilized eggs for around one month before releasing fully formed fry which can then be separated and grown out. 

Tank Recommendations for your Betta Unimaculata

The aquarium conditions are easily the most important factor to nail prior to getting a pair of these fish. As these fish reach around 11 cm long and display mild territorial behaviour it is best to have a minimum aquarium volume of 75 L (60cm long, 30cm wide and 30cm tall aquarium). However, going larger than this is also recommended. Not all males and females will become a confirmed pair which is why they often need to be in a small group first prior to naturally pairing off. This hard and expensive work has been completed by the LiveFish team as the fish for purchase here have naturally paired. 

The aquarium environment of the betta unimaculata is quite important, both parameter-wise and scape-wise. These fish require acidic water with the recommended PH range being between 6.0-7.0 This level of acidity can be achieved through their aquascape by utilizing botanicals and driftwood that can leach tannins into the water. This can also be stabilized by using PH conditioners or direct black water extracts. The betta macrostoma comes from slow-moving waters that are rich in vegetation and botanical materials in the water which will be ideal to replicate. Having low-light tolerant plants like java moss can provide some added coverage for these potentially shy fish. Temperature wise these fish can be kept on the cooler side with the ideal range being between 22-24 degrees. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Ideally, it is best to keep these fish in a species-only environment even though they are relatively peaceful fish. The main issue in terms of compatibility is that the betta unimaculata has very specific aquarium conditions which other aquarium species may not tolerate. They can also be easily stressed by large or active tank mates.

Usually Compatible

Sarawak rasboras, chilli Raspboras, common pencil fish, neon tetras and similar small, peaceful species. Even with these fish, however, there is a slight risk of predation.

Sometimes Compatible

Potentially large but inconspicuous fish like bristlenose pleco or corydoras however this is a risk that can be entirely avoided. 

Rarely Compatible

Any fish species that is larger than the betta unimaculata, peaceful or not should be totally avoided. There is just too high a risk for the betta to be outcompeted or stressed. 

Feeding your Betta Unimaculata

Betta Unimaculata can be incredibly shy when first introduced into the aquarium. Because of this, there should a range of foods ready to go in order to entice them to eat. This however is a species that may not easily or ever take to prepared aquarium foods like pellets during its nearly 10-year lifespan.

Because of this, there may need to be a regular supply of live foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, black worms, shrimp, worms or similar invertebrate species. They can be weaned onto frozen foods and potentially freeze-dried foods. Giving them a nutritional and varied diet is best for optimal health.