Betta miniopinna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Betta miniopinna |
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Betta miniopinna is a small, special type of gourami fish. It lives only on Bintan Island in Indonesia. This fish is quite tiny, growing to about 2.4 centimeters (less than an inch) long. It can even breathe air if it needs to!
What's in a Name?
The name Betta miniopinna has an interesting story. The first part, Betta, comes from the Malay word ikan betah. This word is used for many fish in the Betta family.
The second part, miniopinna, comes from two Latin words. Minius means "cinnabar-red," and pinna means "fin." This name describes the reddish color of the fish's bottom fins.
Where Does It Live?
Betta miniopinna lives in very specific places. It prefers peat swamps and small streams. These areas are found near Tanjong Bintan on Bintan Island.
The water in these swamps is often dark and acidic. This "blackwater" forms from lots of decaying leaves and plants. The ground is soft mud, covered with fallen leaves and branches. There are also many submerged roots.
Surviving in the Swamps
These peat swamps can dry out for weeks if there is no rain. When this happens, the Betta miniopinna fish survive by hiding in the moist leaf litter. They are tough little fish!
Betta miniopinna also has a special way of making a home for its babies. The father fish builds a "bubble nest" at the water's surface. This is a common way for many Betta fish to protect their eggs.
Why Is It in Danger?
Sadly, Betta miniopinna is facing threats. It lives in a very small area, and these peat swamps are being damaged. Construction for new tourist areas on the island makes the water cloudy and dirty.
Turning swamps into farms or building new things hurts the fish's home. These changes are a big worry for this special fish. Protecting its habitat is important to help Betta miniopinna survive.
