Marine Betta
Calloplesiops altevelis, is known as the Marine Betta or Comet. The shape of the Marine Betta is characterized by its thick body stature and longer finnage, especially for an ocean fish. Its typical coloration is a deep black with small distinct white to pale gold spots encompassing its body and fins. A hardy aquarium fish, the Marine Betta requires a number of places to hide and prefers to linger in the underside of cliffs and overhangs where it can linger and await its next prey. Because it is a predator that grows to a seven or eight inch maximum captive size, the Marine Betta should be kept only in larger aquariums. In the home aquarium, it has little interest in corals, but may likely dislodge corals as it darts after its next meal. It may eat any fish that will fit into its mouth. Crustaceans, being part of its natural diet, will likely be eaten. This Indo-Pacific native is an opportunist predator. It welcomes a diet of smaller live fish -- upon which it can prey with a sudden, unexpected burst of speed -- and frozen krill and other meaty prepared foods. Because "high input" fish are also "high output" fish, an excellent filtration and biological system should be in place prior to introduction. The Marine Betta should only be kept with other aggressive carnivores such as Groupers, Triggers, and Eels.
Approximate Arrival Size for Groupers: Small: 2-3.25"; Medium: 3-4.5"; Large: 4.75-6.25"; XLarge: 6.5-7.5"
Detailed Information about this species.
