Betta ocellata de Beaufort 1933

Differs from other members of the Betta unimaculata species group by the following combination of characters: distinct black spot near caudal peduncle; body wormish; opercle blue; uniform caudal fin coloration; vertebrae 33-34 (mode 33); anal-fin rays 30-31 (mode 30); dorsal-fin rays 8; pectoral fin rays 12-13 (mode 13); subdorsal scales 5-5 1/2 (mode 5 1/2); lateral scales 32-34 (mode 33); predorsal scales 24; predorsal length 68.8-71.9% SL; head length 31.4-33.3% SL; length of anal-fin base 52.2-54.5% SL; length of dorsal-fin base 10.5-11.3% SL; lower jaw length 27.3-33.1% HL (Ref. 56613).

Dorsal spines (total): 0 - 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Anal spines: 1 - 2; Analsoft rays: 28 - 30; Vertebrae: 33 - 34

Inhabit more slow flowing areas of the headwater habitats (Ref. 34011). Found usually in ravines and isolated elevated pools. An adult and several juveniles are usually encountered in submerged leaf litter. Adults may take cover under floating leaves and are excellent jumpers, which may explain their presence in isolated elevated pools (Ref. 56613). Feed mainly on terrestrial insects and occasionally on aquatic invertebrates (Ref. 56613).

Betta ocellata, sometimes known as the eyespot mouthbrooder, is a species of gourami. It is native to Asia, where it occurs in northeastern Borneo, specifically Sabah and East Kalimantan, in the countries of Malaysia and Indonesia respectively. It is typically found in slow-flowing areas such as ravines and isolated pools in the vicinity of floating leaves and submerged leaf litter. Individuals of the species are excellent jumpers, feeding primarily on terrestrial insects, although aquatic invertebrates are also consumed. The species reaches 8 cm (3.1 inches) in standard length and is known to be a facultative air-breather.