Mahachai Betta

Looks how to spot one

Scales and fins

A compact, laterally compressed body with an upturned mouth and a labyrinth organ for breathing air. Males have longer fins and more vivid colours than females.34

Personality what they are like

Males are territorial and will flare at each other, but in the wild they usually settle with displays rather than fights. They are generally calmer than domesticated fighting fish. Females can be kept together with one male if there is plenty of cover.36

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Not very active; enjoys calm, shaded water with plenty of plants and hiding spots. Filtration should be gentle, and the tank must be covered as they can jump.6

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular water changes are important, especially in brackish setups. Provide a tight-fitting lid and keep the water level a bit low so they can reach the humid air above. No special grooming needed.6

Home where they are happiest

Needs a tank of at least 40 litres for one, 60 to 80 litres for a pair or small group. Water temperature 22 to 28°C, pH 7 to 8.5, and can be kept in fresh or slightly brackish water. Include plants, driftwood, caves and floating cover. Filtration should be gentle.36

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivorous; in the wild eats insects, larvae and small crustaceans. In captivity, offer live or frozen foods like bloodworm, Daphnia and Artemia, and they may accept dried foods once used to them.36

Company who they like around

Best kept alone, in pairs, or with very peaceful species. Males should not be kept together in small tanks. They are not suitable for a busy community tank. This species is not venomous or illegal to keep, but it is endangered in the wild, so choose captive-bred fish.362

The story where it all began

This wild betta was first described in 2012 from the Mahachai area of Samut Sakhon province in Thailand. It lives in brackish, tidal waters among nipa palms, which is unusual for a betta. It has been kept in the aquarium trade, but its natural habitat is under threat from urban development and pollution.521

Recognised by the official bits

Zootaxa

Described as a new species in 2012, distinguished by iridescent green-blue stripes on a brown-black body.5