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Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) — Osphronemidae

Javan fighting fish

Betta picta
Family: Osphronemidae

The Javan fighting fish (Betta picta) is a freshwater fish of the family Osphronemidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Javan fighting fish is a small labyrinth fish (Osphronemidae) from fresh water of Java and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 6 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 Javan fighting fish?

The Javan fighting fish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Javan fighting fish live?

The Javan fighting fish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Javan fighting fish get?

The Javan fighting fish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Javan fighting fish dangerous to humans?

No, the Javan fighting fish is harmless to humans.

Is the Javan fighting fish edible?

Yes, the Javan fighting fish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Java-strijdvis sourced
English name
Javan fighting fish sourced
Scientific name
Betta picta
Family
Osphronemidae
Other names
Spotted betta verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Betta

More from the family Osphronemidae

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