Species profile
Betta Mahachaiensis
Betta mahachaiensis
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Top
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Do not assume all wild Bettas require extremely soft acidic blackwater. B. mahachaiensis naturally tolerates more mineral-rich, sometimes mildly brackish-influenced habitats.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
5–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Top
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Territorial bubble-nesting wild Betta. Dense emergent/surface cover and multiple visual barriers are important if keeping more than one adult.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Betta mahachaiensis
Alternative names
Mahachai Betta, Mahachai Fighting Fish
Native range
Central Thailand around Samut Sakhon and nearby coastal lowlands.
Natural habitat
Nipa-palm swamps and human-modified lowland waters, often with higher mineral content and occasional mild brackish influence than many wild Bettas.
Diet & feeding
Insects, larvae and zooplankton; feed quality prepared Betta foods plus live/frozen invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males show stronger metallic green/blue scaling and larger fins; females are duller and fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Bubble-nest spawner. Males construct nests among surface cover and guard eggs/larvae until fry disperse.