Betta gladiator
Distribution
Presumed endemic to the geographically-isolated Maliau basin, a roughly circular plateau enclosed by hills in Sabah state, Malaysia, Borneo. The Maliau River is part of the much larger Kinabantangan watershed, Malaysia’s second longest river.
Habitat
The type series was collected from heath forest alongside ‘Puntius‘ sealei and Hemibagrus cf. baramensis in acidic water with a pH of 4.2-4.8. Adult individuals were spaced around a metre apart and usually accompanied by a few juveniles.
Maximum Standard Length
80 – 90 mm.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 22 – 27 °C
pH: 4.0 – 6.0
Hardness: 0 – 90 ppm
Sexual Dimorphism
Males tend to grow larger, are more colourful, have a broader head shape and more extended fins than females.