How difficult is it to keep Mahachai fighter?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Mahachai fighter?

The ideal temperature for Mahachai fighter is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Mahachai fighter get?

Mahachai fighter typically reaches Up to 4.4 cm SL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Mahachai fighter?

Mahachai fighter feeds on: Carnivore (small frozen and live foods, small insects). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Mahachai fighter?

The price of Mahachai fighter varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Mahachai fighter

Intermediate

Betta mahachaiensis

A wild betta from brackish swamps in central Thailand. Males are dark with iridescent blue-green scales. Considered the only Betta found exclusively in brackish water, it builds bubble nests among nipa palm bracts.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜28℃

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 4.4 cm SL (FishBase)

Diet

Carnivore (small frozen and live foods, small insects)

About

Betta mahachaiensis was described in 2012 and is known only from a few localities in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon (Mahachai), Samut Songkhram and Samut Prakan provinces on the Gulf of Thailand coast. FishBase gives a maximum of 4.4 cm SL. It lives in tidal brackish swamps closely associated with the nipa palm, and males build bubble nests in water held at the base of palm fronds. Salinity at its habitats has been measured at 1.1-10.6 ppt. Although brackish populations of B. splendens and B. imbellis exist, it is regarded as the only Betta found exclusively in such conditions. Its habitats are severely threatened by Bangkok's expansion, and recent surveys have failed to find it in some provinces. Populations differ slightly, for example in caudal-fin shape, and should not be hybridised. In Japan it is sold as 'Mahachai' by wild-betta specialists.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Mahachai fighter

The Mahachai fighter grows to Up to 4.4 cm SL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Mahachai fighter

The ideal temperature for the Mahachai fighter is 22〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Southeast Asia (brackish coastal swamps on the Gulf of Thailand, central Thailand)

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 4.4 cm SL (FishBase)

Temperature

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Betta mahachaiensis Kowasupat, Panijpan, Ruenwongsa & Sriwattanarothai, 2012

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN NE · Not Evaluated

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not evaluated on the IUCN Red List, but its habitat is severely threatened by urban development. Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act. Never release aquarium fish into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.