
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Betta albimarginata
A tiny wild betta, about 3 cm, from eastern Borneo. Males are brick-red with fins edged in white and black. The male broods eggs and fry in his mouth.
Betta albimarginata is a small osphronemid known only from the Sebuku River basin in East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. FishBase gives a maximum of 2.8 cm SL, small even for the genus. Its name means 'white-edged', and males are brick-red with red fins bordered by a white margin and a dark submarginal band. It is told from the similar B. channoides by the pattern of the dorsal fin and the caudal band. It inhabits very shallow water (5-10 cm) among roots and leaf litter along forest streams and is a facultative air-breather. The male is a mouthbrooder and builds no bubble nest. It prefers soft, acidic water, which usually requires adjustment. It is assessed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In Japan it is sold as a wild betta by specialist shops, and captive-bred fish also appear.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Whiteseam fighter grows to Up to 2.8 cm SL (FishBase).
The ideal temperature for the Whiteseam fighter is 23〜28℃.
Origin
Southeast Asia (Sebuku River basin, East Kalimantan, Borneo)
Lifespan
Few reliable data
Size
Up to 2.8 cm SL (FishBase)
Temperature
23〜28℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Assessed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Carnivore (small frozen and live foods)
23-28°C, pH 4.0-6.5, 1-5 dGH (Seriously Fish). Needs soft, acidic water with negligible carbonate hardness, often prepared with RO water.
Provide driftwood, clay pots and leaf litter under dim light, with a gentle sponge filter. It jumps and needs humid air above the water, so keep a gap under a tight lid.
Unsuited to typical community tanks. Keep it alone or with small cyprinids and loaches from similar habitats; pairs or groups can be kept.
Base the diet on small frozen or live foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm. Prone to obesity, so do not overfeed.
The male mouthbroods small broods of about 10 eggs and releases fry after 10-21 days. Stress can make him swallow or spit the brood, so avoid disturbance.
Fry need warm, humid air above the water for the labyrinth organ to develop; keep the lid closed and the air warm.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Whiteseam fighter is 23〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Whiteseam fighter typically reaches Up to 2.8 cm SL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Whiteseam fighter feeds on: Carnivore (small frozen and live foods). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Whiteseam fighter varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026