Marine Betta - Calloplesiops altivelis

Marine Betta (Calloplesiops altivelis)

The Marine Betta is a distinctive and highly attractive marine fish recognised for its dark body covered in bright white spots, elegant finnage and unusual eye-like marking near the rear of the body. Calm, secretive and deliberate in its movements, it is best suited to mature aquariums with plenty of caves and shaded rockwork. Although generally peaceful with suitably sized fish, it is a predator and may consume small fish, shrimp and other vulnerable invertebrates.

Common Name:
Marine Betta, Comet

Scientific Name (Latin):
Calloplesiops altivelis

Maximum Size:
Approximately 18–20 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Marine Betta occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is commonly associated with caves, crevices, overhangs and shaded reef areas.

It is naturally secretive and tends to remain close to cover, particularly during brighter periods of the day.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful / Predatory

The Marine Betta is generally calm towards fish that are too large to be eaten and does not usually behave aggressively towards unrelated tankmates.

However, very small fish and ornamental crustaceans may be viewed as prey.

Diet:
Carnivore

The Marine Betta naturally feeds on small fish, shrimp and other marine invertebrates.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, chopped prawn, krill, squid and other suitable meaty marine foods.

Newly introduced specimens may initially be reluctant to accept prepared foods, so patience may be required while they settle and begin feeding confidently.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 250 litres

Provide substantial rockwork with several caves, overhangs and shaded retreat areas.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Marine Betta is a slow-moving and secretive fish that often spends much of the day close to caves or shaded rockwork.

It may become more visible once settled and is often more active during quieter periods and around feeding time.

Its deliberate swimming style and unusual patterning make it a particularly distinctive display fish.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Marine Betta does not normally damage healthy coral tissue and can be maintained in coral-containing aquariums.

However, small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs and small fish may be eaten.

It is therefore best considered reef safe with caution.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry and plenty of secure caves and shaded areas.

Avoid keeping it with very small fish or ornamental crustaceans where their safety is a priority.

Fast, highly aggressive tankmates may intimidate the Marine Betta or prevent it from feeding successfully.

New specimens can be shy and should be monitored carefully to ensure they are eating.

A varied carnivorous diet and calm surroundings help maintain good body condition and natural behaviour.

Secure rockwork is important, as this species often spends extended periods within caves and crevices.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.