Betta sp. "Rukam"fromBelitung Island, Indonesia, is a recently documented population showing strong morphological and genetic similarities toBetta uberis, a species originally described from Borneo (Kalimantan). However, genetic analysis using DNA barcoding (COI gene) reveals approximately94.41% similarityand a genetic distance of0.057(33 base differences), indicating it is distinct from trueB. uberis.
Due to this significant genetic divergence, it is scientifically referred to asBetta cf. uberis, signifying a close but not identical relative. This represents thefirst confirmed recordof aB. uberis-like species outside Borneo, expanding the known distribution of this group.
LikeB. uberis, it inhabits blackwater peat swamp forests and shares similar care requirements: acidic, soft water, dim lighting, and a diet of small live or frozen foods. It is considered a rare and potentially endangered population.
