Betta pinguis Tan & Kottelat 1998

Fewer total anal rays than B. balunga (28-29 versus 30). More lateral scales than B. balunga and B. chini (31 1/2-32 1/2 versus 29-31). More lateral scales below dorsal-fin origin (18-19, versus 15-18). Greater total length than B. balunga and B. chini (145.5-153.5% SL, versus 132.8-144.6). Shorter head length than B. balunga (31.3-31.7% SL versus 32.6-35.5). Deeper body depth at dorsal-fin origin than B. akarensis and B. chini (30.6-31.6% SL versus 25.1-30.9). Shorter preanal length than B. balunga (44.7-46.3% SL versus 49.2-52.2). It has the most pigmented opercle pattern with a darkly pigmented opercle distal edge and many spots (more than 7 versus 5 or less, or stripes) (Ref. 30224).

Dorsal spines (total): 1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 26 - 27; Vertebrae: 31 - 32

Occurs in forest streams with slow current and swamp forest, in shore vegetation and leaf litter (Ref. 56749).

bait: usually

Betta pinguis is a species of gourami endemic to Indonesia. It is an inhabitant of forest streams. This species grows to a length of 7.9 centimetres (3.1 in) SL. This fish is used by local peoples as bait.