Betta livida
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Betta livida faces severe habitat degradation from palm oil plantation expansion and logging activities throughout its native range in Malaysian Borneo. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has contaminated the shallow forest streams this species depends on for breeding. The conversion of peat swamp forests to commercial plantations has eliminated critical spawning habitats, while collection for the international aquarium trade adds additional pressure to remaining wild populations.
Habitat
Betta livida inhabits shallow, slow-moving forest streams and tributaries within peat swamp forests of Malaysian Borneo. The species prefers acidic, tannin-stained waters with dense vegetation cover and soft substrates typical of lowland tropical rainforest ecosystems.
