Description
Species Overview
The Betta livida “Klang” (Betta livida) is a rare and difficult-to-find wild betta prized by aquarists who want to experience a very different side of the genus Betta. Rather than the large flowing fins of the familiar domestic betta, Betta livida has a more natural appearance, with deep body coloration and iridescent green to blue-green markings that become especially noticeable when the fish are displaying.
The “Klang” designation identifies the locality associated with this particular Betta livida line, making that information important for aquarists interested in maintaining locality-specific wild bettas. These fish should not simply be thought of as another color variety of betta.
One of the most interesting characteristics of Betta livida is its social behavior. These bettas can be maintained in groups when given an appropriately sized and heavily structured aquarium with abundant cover and broken sight lines. Individuals still establish relationships and territories, so group keeping does not mean aggression is impossible. Instead, it makes aquarium structure, group composition, and observation particularly important.
Aquatic Arts offers Tank-Bred and USA Bred Betta livida “Klang” when available. Because this is an uncommon species with limited availability in the aquarium hobby, it may not be something we can consistently offer throughout the year.
For aquarists accustomed only to domestic bettas, Betta livida offers something completely different: a rare wild betta that can be observed interacting as a group, displaying natural social behavior, and potentially forming breeding pairs within a carefully designed aquarium.
What We Love About This Fish
Rare and difficult to find in the aquarium hobby, making Betta livida a special opportunity for wild betta enthusiasts
Can be kept and observed in groups when provided with adequate space, dense cover, and broken sight lines
Beautiful natural coloration with iridescent green to blue-green markings that become especially noticeable during displays
Available as Tank-Bred and USA Bred options when available, helping support continued captive keeping of this uncommon wild betta
Quick Care Guide
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive; Social for a Betta
Adult Size: Approximately 2 to 2.5 Inches
Diet: Carnivore / Micropredator (Small Pellets, Frozen Foods, and Live Foods)
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons for a Pair; 20+ Gallons Recommended for a Group
Swimming Zone: Middle to Upper
Social Behavior: Can Be Kept in Pairs or Groups With Proper Aquarium Structure
Group Size: Small groups can be maintained together when given adequate space, dense planting, hiding areas, and broken sight lines. Individual behavior should always be monitored.
Source: Tank-Bred / USA Bred options available when listed
Scientific Name: Betta livida
Locality: Klang
Purchase Size: Approximately 1 to 1.5 Inches
Important: A tight-fitting lid is essential. Like other wild bettas, Betta livida is capable of jumping, including through surprisingly small openings.
Recommended Water Parameters
Temperature: 75° to 82°F (24° to 28°C)
Current Aquatic Arts pH: Approximately 7.3
Recommended Long-Term pH: Approximately 6.0 to 6.8
Breeding Target: Around pH 6.0
Wild Habitat pH: Can fall below pH 4.0 in its natural peat-swamp habitat
GH: Low to Moderate
KH: Low to Moderate
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Ideally below 20 ppm
Our Betta livida “Klang” are captive-bred fish currently maintained at Aquatic Arts at approximately pH 7.3. Because these fish have been raised in conditions different from the extremely acidic water sometimes recorded for wild Betta livida, there is no reason to immediately lower a newly received fish to a pH of 6.0 or below.
For newly arrived fish, stable water chemistry should come first. Avoid making a sudden pH change simply to match published wild-habitat parameters.
For long-term care, we recommend gradually moving toward softer, more acidic water around pH 6.0 to 6.8. Aquarists interested in breeding Betta livida “Klang” should aim closer to pH 6.0, along with low mineral content, gentle filtration, botanicals, and stable water quality.
Wild Betta livida can inhabit remarkably acidic peat-swamp water, including environments with a pH below 4.0. That information is important for understanding the species, but wild-habitat parameters should not be confused with the conditions in which these particular captive-bred fish have been raised.
