Introduction
Betta mahachaiensis is a Betta from the splendens group, endemic to the Maha Chai region (Samut Sakhon province) and western Bangkok, in Thailand. Described in 2012, it is characterized by its green to blue-green shining coloration and two parallel iridescent bars on the operculum. The species occupies a restricted distribution area, fragmented by coastal urbanization and industrialization.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size3 cm
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Maximum size5 cm
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ShapeRectangular
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Average size3 cm
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Maximum size5 cm
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ShapeRectangular
How to recognize This fish ?
Like all fish of its genus, Betta mahachaiensis has the particularity of being able to breathe in two different ways. In addition to the classic gills, this species is equipped with a breathing apparatus called Labyrinthe which allows it to absorb oxygen from the air. These species are commonly called the labyrinth Fish.
The body is brown to black, covered with green or blue-green scales forming regular rows. The operculum has two clearly defined iridescent vertical bars on a dark membrane devoid of red. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins show green/blue-green interradial membranes contrasting with dark rays; the dorsal fin displays black transverse bars near its body. The pelvic fins are brown to black, edged with a green/blue-green border and ending in a white tip.
Sexual dimorphism
Males are more colorful and contrasting, with sometimes a bulging head behind the eye, longer pelvic fins, and more extensive iridescence. Females are more stout, less vibrant, and their opercular pattern is more subdued.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving as a couple or in a group
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
A discreet and territorial species, Betta mahachaiensis lives in pairs or small groups. This fish exploits the water column close to the surface sheltered by vegetation, feeds on small aquatic and terrestrial prey fallen into the water (insects, larvae, micro-crustaceans), and shows increased activity during quiet hours.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare réalisant des nids de bulles
A typical bubble nest builder, Betta mahachaiensis often chooses a small cavity to anchor the nest, especially in the water retained by nipa palm bracts (phytotels). The courtship is followed by embracing; the female releases the eggs, the male collects them and places them under the nest where he ensures aeration and surveillance until hatching.
The fry remain suspended in the nest for a few days before becoming free-swimming. Hybrids with Betta splendens have been observed in the trade, but wild populations exhibit a distinct phenotype and genetic lineage.
Harmless species
No specific danger to humans.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The species is confirmed in the Samut Sakhon province (Maha Chai district and neighboring areas) and on a few sites west of Bangkok. It is not known in neighboring countries, unlike other members of the splendens group. Habitats are under strong pressure: backfilling of brackish marshes, pollution, urban expansion, and local collection. Although tolerant of slightly brackish waters (approximately 1 to 10 ‰), Betta mahachaiensis depends on a network of microhabitats now fragmented.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature23 - 27 °C
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pH (acidity)7 - 8.5
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gh (hardness)5 - 10
Biotope presentation
Betta mahachaiensis frequents coastal swamps and brackish canals west of Bangkok, often under the cover of Nypa fruticans. It inhabits calm and shallow waters, sometimes very rich in organic matter, with dense emergent vegetation, roots, and leaf litter. The nipa palm bracts form small pockets of water used for nesting. Associated species are regularly reported: Trichopsis vittata, Trichopodus trichopterus, Anabas testudineus, Aplocheilus panchax, Oryzias javanicus, Dermogenys siamensis, Channa striata, and Boraras urophthalmoides.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume30 liters
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Population min1
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Temperature23 - 27 °C
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pH (acidity)7 - 8.5
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingmoderate
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Robustnesstolerant
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Behaviourslightly aggressive
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Availabilityrare
Recommended equipment from our partners
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Aquarium
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for Betta mahachaiensis
Betta mahachaiensis is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 23 °C and 27 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.
The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.
This species is very rare in the aquarium trade. Instead, it is maintained by knowledgeable aquarists who own and breed individuals from wild origin strains. If you want to get this species, we advise you to contact specialized clubs. }Specimens from long time breeding are a bit easier to breed but you have to respect the particular water parameters.
Jumping fish
Be careful, Betta mahachaiensis is an excellent jumper, naturally using this faculty to change its living area or to escape from predators. The aquarium must be perfectly covered to prevent him from making a deadly jump...
Fish with a maze
The ability to breathe at the surface makes this fish more likely to live in small volumes. Naturally, Betta mahachaiensis can be found for long periods in water holes where oxygen is scarce.
Cohabitation & Environment
Betta mahachaiensis is a fish which it is advisable to maintain in specific aquarium. A 30 liter tank is sufficient to consider its breeding. Associating it with other species is not fundamentally impossible but a documentation work is necessary for the constitution of the population.
Betta mahachaiensis is a fish that generally lives in groups outside of the reproduction periods. If you want to reproduce them and have a good chance of forming a couple, it is recommended to keep at least 5 individuals.. In a community aquarium, the chances of survival of the larvae are almost null. After a few spawns, it is preferable to isolate the couple or to separate from the other members of the group.
The hierarchical organization and the aggressiveness between fellow fish can weaken certain individuals, the presence of hiding places becomes then necessary. If you wish to add new members, it is better to introduce younger fish. They will have a better chance of integrating into the new balance.
It should be noticed that this species should not be kept with large crustaceans or fish, as it would become a prey of choice. Smaller species should preferably be inserted in the aquarium some time before the larger ones. Moreover, if you want to breed it, it is better to put them in a specific aquarium.Tips for feeding
Betta mahachaiensis is carnivorous.
This species does not appreciate being fed with freeze-dried food (flakes...). Some specimens will never eat this type of food.
Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.
Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.
Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.Food recommendations from our partner JBL - Products PRONOVO
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Granules
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Flakes
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Sticks
Reproduction protocol
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egg-laying protectionNo
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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To go further
Species of the same family
Espèces du même genre
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Sylvain Mathieu
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Scientific partners
Species of the same family
Same genus
