Betta macrostoma

**leeruisheng** · 16th Nov 2007, 11:21

Hi JL23, that's what I wanted to say that having a cover somehow to me spoils the looks of my planted tank. So my option now maybe to lower the water level.

**JL23** · 16th Nov 2007, 11:26

Hi,

they are really good jumpers, you might have to lower quite alot of the water level. Guess that will hinder the growth of your plants unless you are just growing moss.

How about just get a piece of arcylic or glass to cover the tank??? You can ask the shop to cut holes for you to accomodate the filter and tubing. However, I'm not sure if the cover will affect your plant lightings and will it trap heat in your tank.

**leeruisheng** · 16th Nov 2007, 11:34

Hi JL23,

My water level is now around 6cm below the height of the tank. What's yours? Thanks.

**JL23** · 16th Nov 2007, 11:40

Hi,

mine about 6cm too. They sure can jump out from that water level.

**cwtan12** · 16th Nov 2007, 12:47

I am using net to cover. Those nets have bigger holes than the mosquito netting and can be bought at Jalan Besar

**leeruisheng** · 16th Nov 2007, 14:13

They sure are high jumpers. Looks like I'll need a cover.

**valice** · 16th Nov 2007, 14:17

Wilson, you can check out from Ranmasatome for the nettings. I think he still have one big bag of netting which I think will be suitable for you to use it to cover your 2ft tank.

I've seen the ones used by Chee Wee at his place. Nice and good as well. His is black in colour while Ranma's is bluish-green.

**eeeeemo** · 17th Nov 2007, 15:41

those nets can be bought at DIY shops like homefix..
planning to get some soon.

i was at biotope yesterday.. saw a pair of mac..
but unfortunately they were ill.. male with clouded eyes and female infected and probably dying..
they are wild caught.. those confident of saving them can give a try.

its a pity... =( if not i would have snatched them up..

**benny** · 17th Nov 2007, 18:53

Here's a short 30 seconds Betta macrostoma mouthbrooding video clip from youtube to inspire you..

YouTube - Holding Mac

And for those with time, this 4 minute video is a must watch.

YouTube - Betta macrostoma mouthbrooding

Cheers,

**MrTree** · 17th Nov 2007, 23:58

wow, eye opening for me too!!

**trident** · 18th Nov 2007, 22:12

The male looks rather uncomfortable with his mouth full.
The 2nd video looks like he is having the time of his life.

**mickthefish** · 19th Nov 2007, 23:00

that video is great and like MrTree you learn something new every day.
it makes me want to try them. haha

mick

**leeruisheng** · 22nd Nov 2007, 21:17

Some photos to share.

**genes** · 22nd Nov 2007, 22:46

Gorgeous looking male! Swee!!!

I like that part when the eggs fall out and both rush to bring it back into the mouth...thats so sweet!

**lEddyl** · 23rd Nov 2007, 00:54

just curious. with dense floating plants. will they still jump?

**leeruisheng** · 23rd Nov 2007, 12:13

Thanks for all the inputs. Bought them as wild caught. That's what the uncle told me. At first very skeptical because I thought it's illegal to export or catch wild mac specimens from Brunei and that they are protected? But still lfs and websites are selling wild caught macs. Can anyone enlighten me?

Not so sure if they can jump with the presence of floating plants. Didn't observe. But one thing I did notice is that they will jump to catch flying insects hovering above the water. With the plant coverage, it blocks their sight and thus maybe not so much jumping. I have yet to place a cover or netting. But will find time. Crossing my fingers that they are still swimming in there.

**johannes** · 23rd Nov 2007, 13:31

nice specimen you have there bro!

**Quixotic** · 23rd Nov 2007, 14:04

Originally Posted by leeruisheng

Thanks for all the inputs. Bought them as wild caught. That's what the uncle told me. At first very skeptical because I thought it's illegal to export or catch wild mac specimens from Brunei and that they are protected? But still lfs and websites are selling wild caught macs. Can anyone enlighten me?

If I am not wrong, they are also found in Sarawak, and other parts of Borneo. However, IUCN Red List listed them as a vulnerable species (could be for the Brunei population).

I also seem to remember reading that they show some forms of dimorphism between different populations (can't seem to confirm this now).