If there's one species I have in abundance, it is Betta sp. api api. From my three wild-caught pairs, I have just under thirty fish, surprisingly, with a good number of females among them. I also have a small group of juveniles growing out alongside their parents (the other two wild-caught pairs were sold on), which likely brings my numbers closer to forty. Because I've been focussing my attention on other species, my breeding plans for Betta sp. api api were put on hold. However, that's all about to change, and starting this week, these fish are going to move to the top of my priority list. My goal for May, is to have at least one successful spawn from an F1 pair of Betta sp. api api. Is it achievable? I believe so. I've been watching the group closely over the past few days to figure out which fish are likely candidates. Most importantly, I want fish that are healthy, and free from any physical deformities (these include missing or incomplete fins, bodies that excessively short, and toplines with anything more than minor bumps or dips). I also tend not to go for the most aggressive male and female in the group. I want a pair that is going to put their energy towards reproduction, not fighting. Especially as they will be cohabitating long-term, and not just together for a single spawn. Although I try not to let aesthetics play too much into my choice, I still have my preferences. I prefer fish that are balanced, in proportion, show clear sexual characteristics, as well as good colouration. With Betta sp. api api, my preference is to select males that display the distinctive spade-shaped caudal, but if I find a male that ticks all the boxes save for the fact his caudal is round, it's not going to stop me using him.
Once the breeding tank is set-up (hopefully before the end of this week), I will be separating out a pair and chronicling their progress. As an aside, the fish featured in the photos above, is a young Betta sp. api api female. Sadly, the camera flash, in combination with the bright light over the tank, washed her colour almost completely out.
wildborneo
12/5/2016 05:41:03 pm
I have been following your blog very closely as i collect the bettas from the same group. I am amazed by the conditions of your tanks and fishes. well done and keep up the good work.
Ashlea
12/5/2016 10:49:09 pm
Thanks for the kind words Wildborneo. My tanks aren't ever going to win any aquascaping contests, and there's probably just as much algae as plants in them, but the fish are what's important, and if they are happy, so am I.
wildborneo
13/5/2016 12:25:57 am
totally agree. i have problem growing the plants in the tank due to the low light level and the dark water. i use mostly leaves for them to hide.
I have two juvenile betta api apis. I have a very planted tank. It's like a jungle actually. I put two of the bettas in the tank on Christmas day. I thought that they were dead. I just saw them yesterday for a flash. Will they EVER come out into the open? I'm dying to see them
Ashlea
19/3/2017 01:47:25 pm
Hi David, I've found that when these fish aren't fully coloured up, or their colour is washed out by strong lighting (like what has happened in the photos above) they can show colouring similar to what you are describing. This species is fairly easy to sex, even from a young age based on fin size/shape and colouration. Do you have any photos of your fish?
JY
20/2/2018 08:28:46 pm
Hi there, thanks for the great blog! Could you advise on how to sex the api api?
Ashlea
22/2/2018 06:14:21 pm
Thanks for the feedback JY! Even if I no longer make new posts, it's good to see people are still finding this blog useful.
Hi, yours are awesome fish. I have a few questions for you.
Ashlea
11/11/2017 11:40:27 am
You are correct that these fish have not been officially described. Most hobbyists refer to the as Betta sp. api api. Although I have seen them also go by Betta sp. riau red.
Hernan
22/11/2017 06:06:00 am
Hi Ashlea, thanks a lot for your reply. It is indeed very informative and useful. Perhaps I can probe your knowledge a little more? What I am looking for is a Betta sp. that will ideally combine the following characteristics:
Ashlea
22/11/2017 11:12:24 am
If you want the smallest possible betta species, and a bubblenester, than B. sp. api api is probably the best option.
Hernán
31/1/2018 01:50:08 am
Ashlea, thanks a lot for the information. I would like to procure some B. sp. api api. I am based in Europe. Do you know a trusted source of Betta api api? Thanks a lot!
Ashlea
31/1/2018 07:52:07 pm
It's been a long time since I've purchased new wilds, so I am rather out of the loop. I would probably look to Hermanus Haryanto or Joty of Jotyabetta Gallery (I'm not sure if he still supplies wild bettas). Most of my wild bettas have come from these two sources and if they can't help, they may be able to offer their suggestions as to those who can.
Hernan
19/9/2018 03:31:59 am
Hello, I wonder whether anyone from the community can suggest a streamlined way to securing and importing apiapi to Germany. Or at least information of anyone with a trusted source of apiapi.
Hernán
2/10/2018 02:05:53 am
Dear Ashlea, I wonder whether you have Betta api api for sale. Thanks a lot
Estrellita
4/9/2020 10:18:57 pm
Hi Ashlea!
Raymond
15/11/2020 11:29:50 pm
Good Afternoon! I've recently gotten a pair of Api Api. I do have quite a few questions. Comments are closed.
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AuthorLocated in Melbourne, Australia, I currently keep and breed a number of species from the coccina complex. Archives
November 2017
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