Dark, oval-shaped fish covered in small white spots with tall fins and a rounded tail.

Marine betta

Calloplesiops altivelis
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
Diet Small fishes and crustaceans
Size Length: Up to 8 inches (20.0 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Red Sea, Indian and West Central Pacific Oceans
Habitat Caves and crevices along drop-offs

Did you know?

  1. The false eye-spot on the marine betta’s tail confuses predators. They think this spot is a big eye belonging to an even bigger fish.
  2. When alarmed, this fish pokes its head into a hole, exposing its tail, which mimics the head of a moray eel.
  3. Marine bettas are nocturnal (active at night) and hide under ledges in holes during the day.