Siam orientalis male and female

Betta siamorientalis is a small, wild betta species from Southeast Asia, known for its dark, blackish body and reddish fins, often called the "black imbellis" due to its resemblance to B. imbellis. It's a bubble-nesting fish found in shallow, vegetated waters like marshes and rice paddies, and it's a facultative air-breather, meaning it can breathe atmospheric air. This species is distinct from B. splendens and is characterized by its slender body, red vertical bars on the opercle (gill cover), and a red crescent on the caudal fin. Key Characteristics Appearance: Dark brown to black body with iridescent green/blue accents; males have red patches on fins and reddish bars on the opercle; females are duller. Size: Small, reaching a maximum of about 3.6 cm (1.4 inches). Habitat: Still, shallow freshwater in eastern Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, often among dense aquatic plants. Behavior: Males build bubble nests and are territorial, but can be kept in groups if there's enough space and plants to establish territories. They are known jumpers. Diet: Carnivorous; accepts high-quality pellets and live/frozen foods. Care: Prefers planted tanks with tannins (from leaves) to mimic its natural habitat, stable warm water (24–28°C), and a secure lid. Identification Often confused with B. imbellis, but B. siamorientalis has a darker body and lacks the facial iridescence of B. imbellis. DNA analysis confirmed it as a separate species from B. splendens and B. imbellis.