Betta coccina
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betta_coccina
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Betta coccina faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as peat swamp forests across Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra are cleared for palm oil plantations and urban development. The species' specialized requirements for acidic, tannin-rich waters make it particularly vulnerable to water quality changes from agricultural runoff and industrial pollution. Collection for the international aquarium trade adds additional pressure on wild populations, especially given the species' limited distribution and slow reproductive rate in degraded habitats.
Habitat
Betta coccina inhabits shallow, slow-moving streams and pools within peat swamp forests of Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. These environments are characterized by extremely soft, acidic water (pH 3.0-5.0) stained dark brown by tannins from decomposing organic matter, with temperatures ranging from 22-28°C.
