Marine Betta

Overview

The Marine Betta (Calloplesiops altivelis), also known as the Comet, is an elegant marine predator. Its deep brownish-black body is covered in pearly blue spots, and its long, flowing fins give it a striking look.

A blue-ringed false eyespot sits near the base of the dorsal fin. When threatened in the wild, the Comet tucks its head into a crevice and leaves its tail and eyespot showing, mimicking the head of a moray eel to deter predators.

Temperament and behaviour

Peaceful, hardy and disease resistant. Marine Bettas are naturally shy and most active at dawn and dusk, preferring dim light and rockwork caves and overhangs while they settle in.

Over time they become confident and swim in the open at feeding time.

Reef compatibility

Reef safe with caution. Safe with corals, sessile invertebrates and anemones, but as a carnivore it will eat small ornamental shrimp (such as sexy shrimp or small peppermint shrimp) and any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.

Diet

Can be a shy eater at first. Start with enriched live brine shrimp, mysis, or meaty seafood offered on feeding tongs to build a strong feeding response.

Once settled, it readily accepts frozen mysis, krill, chopped prawn and squid, and prepared foods for marine carnivores.

Water and system compatibility

Marine/reef aquariums only.

Need to work out your tank's litreage? Use our volume calculator.

Species specifications