Thought I would do another profile on wild betta species.

I introduce you to:

Betta mahachai
Common name:Green Betta

Complex:
Splendens

Location:
Betta Sp mahachai can be found in one place in the wild,Mahachai,which is a half hour from Bangkok.

Status:
It has not been listed with the IUCN,however,it is in critical danger of becoming extinct.

Appearance:
Betta Sp.mahachai,is a slender "dolphin like"fish.they have a very strong caudal,and when mature,the caudal takes on a spade shape.The dorsal fin will have stripes,which can be found only on a mahachai.No other fish of this complex with have such stripes.
The color is a greenish blue.They have a striking iridescence about them.Females of course are less colorful,but I have found in perfect setups,they will be almost as dark as the males.

Two males facing off.
The lighter colored fish is a female,the other two are males.

Housing.
Mahachais are very similiar to domestic bettas in the sense of housing.They enjoy temps to be in the mid 80's.They come from brackish areas so a little salt in the water will do them some good,though not always necessary.Mine are kept in full fresh and breed in it just fine.

They would appreciate a well planted tank,and are exceptional jumpers,so a tight fitting lid is a must.They are bubblenesters,so try to avoid a strong current.They water must be filtered and kept clean.Use a baffle for the flow,if necessary.A pair should be housed in ten gallons and groups in 29 or larger.As with any fish,the larger tank,the better.The can be housed in pairs or even groups,but they will fight,so take caution when housing several males.Be sure to have territories for every male in the tank.

Feeding:
Mahachai is not a picky fish and will readily accept pellet,frozen and live foods.Be sure to feed them a meaty diet as they are insectivores.A high quality pellet is suggested as the staple diet.

Breeding:
Mahachai breed the same way as splendens.The male will blow a bubblenest,and entice the female to the nest.They will then wrap around each other in the typical betta embrace.The female will be stunned and the male will gather the eggs off the ground,and place them in the bubbles.The female will help when she comes to.The male is not as violent to the females,as domestic splendens are.Instead,the male actually lets the female hang by the nest and care for the eggs.

The pair hanging out in a breeder trap.This will keep the eggs safe from other fish.

Closeup of the eggs in the nest.
Mahachais are known to build two nests.One for spawning,and then a second or even third to move them to after the spawning.
Raising the fry is very much like splendens.Some will let the father raise the fry and others will raise them without the male.I have yet to raise any myself so I cant advise on this.but I do know they grow slower than the pet store bettas.

Given the Mahachais are found in one area it is very important to conserve this species.The brackish swamp in which they come from,is the only place these fish are found,and its undergoing construction to build up the economy.As a result,the species will most likely suffer,with the chance of their waterway being remove permanently.

This in turn means there is a very good chance this fish will only be found in aquariums,and never again roaming free in its natural habitat.I encourage anyone who wants to try a wild betta,to give these wonderful fish a chance,and help preserve them in the long run.

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http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

Wow, those look great, wish I could try a pair!

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Lead me not to temptation...I can make it there myself just fine, thank you

Well,as you can see,I have eggs in the nest.If the father does good I should have some in about two months.

And thanks!They are a fun alternative to the long flowey finned fishes.

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http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

Glad to see you're keeping up on these maj!

Be sure to save me a few mahas, you promised I could buy some off of you whenever they decide to spawn!

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l

i want one so bad, they are so cool

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What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?

Thanks so much for the write up!


I have wanted a pair for quite a while now. You care for those fry, and I'll work on setting up housing for a pair, and maybe we can work something out.

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"Have a betta day!" -Bob Vang, VangsPlakat

Thanks!Will do!Daddy is standing under the nest resting.Seems to be a good bit,though not in the 100s.

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http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

Probably a stupid question, can you keep tank mates with wild bettas?

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Actually its not a stupid question.Yes you can.Many of the wild bettas get along just fine with other fish.Mahachais are the same complex as the pet store finds,but are a little less aggressive to each other and other fish.

__________________
http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

Hmmm...bettas in a community.

Now that's a world I hadn't pondered.

I'll have to try that.

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"Have a betta day!" -Bob Vang, VangsPlakat

Hey, Bev will you be doing a thread on the Emerald Betta? You got me really interested in wild bettas. :3

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Yes I sure will!The next profile however is the Betta Albimarginata.

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http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"

hey Bev, just let me konw when they are ready, got the tank almost ready for them, they will go in the 27 gallon cube

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What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?

Looking forward to your next profile Bev! These are really interesting and informative!

It's meeeee!!!!! The person who bought your mahas. Yeah thats me :D

How are things. I like it here so far! My maha fry are sooo cute! 2 days old!

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Mahachai bettas are sooo hypnotizing when they flare.....O-O

Hey,good to see ya here.

__________________
http://bountifulbettas.blogspot.com/

"Come to the dark side....we have cookies...and filters/heaters/and water changes!"