Betta macrostoma can be housed in pairs, species tanks, and community tanks.  Pairs can be housed in a 20 gallon tank, groups should be housed in a 40 gallon tank or larger.  Pairs should be given cover such as caves and plants.  In a pair or species situation it is possible that fry could be discovered in the tanks.  For best results remove a brooding male.

Not critical, macrostoma is very tolerant of water chemistry and thrives in almost any type of water as long as it is clean and well filtered.  They should be kept at cool to mid 70s F.

Macrostoma males are more intensely colored then females.  Males in breeding color are brilliant black and orange to red.  Females tend to have two lateral bands while the male does not. Females ovaries might be visible via spotlighting. 

Macrostoma is a paternal mouthbrooder and the male incubates from 12 to 17 days with 14 days being very consistent.  Incubation time can vary with water temperature.  Females normally initiate spawning.  Soft water with pH below 6 will induce spawning.

Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl, 1985. [24]
Robins, C.R., R.M. Bailey, C.E. Bond, J.R. Brooker, E.A. Lachner, R.N. Lea and W.B. Scott, 1991. [88]
Kottelat, M., A.J. Whitten, S.N. Kartikasari and S. Wirjoatmodjo, 1993. [58]
Baillie, J. and B. Groombridge (eds.), 1996. [28]
Hilton-Taylor, C., 2000. [48]

Countries: