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.