The coccina complex includes some of the smallest species of betta known. Reaching an average of about 4-5cm total length, all species within this complex are red-coloured, excepting Betta persephone, Betta miniopinna and relative newcomer, Betta hendra, which are blackish blue and blueish green respectively.
Predominately found in peat swamps and blackwater environments, species from this complex do best in very soft, acidic water. The water in these habitats is commonly stained with humic acids, so the use of tannins in an aquarium setting will provide a more natural environment for the fish. The pH in some of these habitats can be as low as 3.0, but in an aquarium setting, a pH between 5.0 and 6.0 is adequate. These fish will quite happily tolerate a temperature between 20-28°C.
Predominately found in peat swamps and blackwater environments, species from this complex do best in very soft, acidic water. The water in these habitats is commonly stained with humic acids, so the use of tannins in an aquarium setting will provide a more natural environment for the fish. The pH in some of these habitats can be as low as 3.0, but in an aquarium setting, a pH between 5.0 and 6.0 is adequate. These fish will quite happily tolerate a temperature between 20-28°C.
The following are all current recognised species belonging to the coccina complex. The previously classified 'Betta palangkaraya' has now been officially described as 'Betta hendra', a member of the coccina group. There is also a possible new species known only at the moment as 'Betta sp. apiapi/sp. riau'.
- Betta brownorum
- Betta burdigala
- Betta coccina
- Betta livida
- Betta miniopinna
- Betta persephone
- Betta rutilans
- Betta tussyae
- Betta hendra
- Betta uberis
Below is a list of species that have yet to be officially described, but which are commonly accepted as 'unofficial' members of the coccina complex based on appearance and behaviour.
- Betta sp. apiapi/sp. api api/sp. riau
- Betta sp. wajok
- Betta sp. cf. rutilans green