Mahachai Betta (Betta mahachaiensis)
| Mahachai Betta Betta mahachaiensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Mahachai Betta |
| Name Lat. | Betta mahachaiensis |
| Synonym | Betta sp. 'Mahachai' |
| Family | Gouramies |
| Family lat. | Osphronemidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Estuaries, streams, ponds |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.0-8.5 |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Bubble nest builder |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-6 cm |
| Temperature | 22-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | 60 cm / 54 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.4" |
| Temperature | 72-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Mahachai fighting fish is the coastal province of Samut Sakhorn southwest of Bangkok (Thailand). There they live mostly in small, shallow, weedy streams and pools of the intertidal zone as well as in mangrove swamps.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting with many hiding places (stones, roots). A dark substrate with foliage (sea almond leaves), subdued light (floating plant cover) and hard, slightly alkaline water is ideal. They only need a shallow water depth, 25 cm is sufficient.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They prefer live food, accordingly the food offer consists of cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mysis, and mosquito larvae, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with commercially available, frozen special food mixtures. High-quality dry food (flakes, granules) is also well accepted.
Only as much should be fed as is eaten in a few minutes. Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in a harem, one male with several females. Males have a pronounced territorial behavior among themselves and defend their territory consistently. Keeping several harems is only possible in a large, richly structured tank. They can be kept in a community tank with not too small fish and many hiding places.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is more colorful and has a long extended dorsal and anal fin.
Reproduction and breeding
They belong to the foam nest building fighting fish. The foam nest is built by the male, which also takes care of the brood. The eggs ejected during the numerous matings (entwinements) rise to the water surface, are collected by the male and introduced into the nest. The larvae hatch after 24-48 hours and swim freely after 2-6 days.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, Artemia nauplii). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the spawn is easy prey.
Important
A small addition of sea salt (1-2 tablespoons per 10 l of water) is recommended for water hardening. If the water is sufficiently hard and alkaline, there is no need to add salt. They have an additional respiratory organ, the so-called labyrinth (suprabranchial organ) with which they breathe atmospheric air and can suffocate if this is not possible. The air temperature in the breathing area must not be lower than the water temperature! Dry periods they can survive in small shallow varnishes.
Other fish of similar shape and coloration are usually perceived as enemies.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF