Species profile
Betta Albimarginata
Betta albimarginata
Semi aggressive
Hard care
45 L minimum aquarium
3.5–4.5 cm adult size
Top mid
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Soft acidic water and calm feeding conditions suit this specialist species. It is a mouthbrooder, not a bubble-nester.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
4.5–6.5
GH
0–5 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low–moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.7
Small paternal mouthbrooding Betta. Usually calmer than splendens-complex species but still benefits from heavy cover and multiple refuges.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
45 L
Minimum footprint
45 × 25 cm
Accepted scientific name
Betta albimarginata
Alternative names
White Seam Betta, White-edged Betta
Native range
Sebuku River basin, East Kalimantan, Borneo.
Natural habitat
Shallow shaded forest streams with leaf litter, fine sediment, roots and very soft acidic water.
Diet & feeding
Tiny aquatic/terrestrial invertebrates; feed appropriately sized live/frozen foods and small quality prepared foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males develop intense brick-red coloration with black-and-white fin edging; females are plainer and mottled brown.
Breeding
Paternal mouthbrooder. After spawning the male collects the fertilised eggs and carries the developing brood in his mouth until release.