🐠 Wild Betta Mahachai Blue Spade Tail Male

🔹 Overview

The Wild Betta Mahachai Blue Spade Tail Male (Betta mahachaiensis) is a spectacular wild betta species admired for its deep metallic blue sheen, spade-shaped tail, and natural elegance.
It belongs to the Betta splendens complex and is native to the Mahachai region of Thailand, where it lives in slow, tannin-rich, slightly brackish waters.

This variety displays shimmering blue-green scales, an alert personality, and impressive resilience, making it one of the most captivating and hardy wild bettas kept by aquarists today.

🔹 Origin & Natural History

This species evolved in coastal zones influenced by both fresh and slightly salty water, allowing it to tolerate salinity better than most other bettas.
The dense roots of nipa palms and leaf litter create perfect cover and nesting zones for males in the wild.

🔹 Physical Description

1. Size:

   • Typically 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches) long.

2. Body Shape:

   • Sleek, elongated, and athletic with moderate fins suitable for slow-moving waters.

3. Coloration:

   • Base Color: Deep brown to black.

   • Iridescence: Brilliant electric blue or turquoise scales across the body and fins.

   • Head & Gill Plates: Glowing metallic blue with darker undertones.

   • Fins: Blue-green with black edging; some show faint red or bronze near the base.

4. Tail Type:

   • Spade Tail: The caudal fin is broad at the base and gently narrows to a central point — balanced, elegant, and efficient for movement.

5. Sexual Dimorphism:

   • Males: Richer metallic coloration, sharper tail tip, and longer fins.

   • Females: Smaller, with subtler colors and shorter fins.

🔹 Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, but more balanced than domestic bettas.

• Social Behavior: Males guard their territory but rarely attack unless provoked.

• Flaring Display: Males exhibit bright metallic flashes and fin-spreading displays to show dominance or attract females.

• Personality: Intelligent and interactive — often curious toward their keeper.

Wild Mahachai males express measured dominance rather than uncontrolled aggression, displaying both grace and confidence in their movements.

🔹 Habitat & Tank Setup

To recreate its natural environment:

Tank Setup Recommendations:

• Tank Size: 25–40 litres for a single male.

• Substrate: Fine dark sand or soft gravel.

• Décor: Driftwood, coconut shells, rocks, and dried leaves to simulate natural hiding spaces.

• Plants: Dense vegetation such as Java fern, Anubias, or floating plants like frogbit or water lettuce.

• Lighting: Soft, subdued lighting enhances the metallic blue hues.

• Filtration: Gentle sponge or internal filter — avoid strong currents.

• Lid: Necessary, as Mahachai bettas are agile jumpers.

• Tannins: Use Indian almond leaves or oak leaves to provide mild antibacterial effects and mimic wild water chemistry.

🔹 Ideal Water Parameters

A small amount of sea salt can be added to simulate natural brackish water, but it is optional for captive-bred individuals.

🔹 Diet & Feeding

Diet Type: Carnivorous

Preferred Foods:

• Live: mosquito larvae, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia.

• Frozen: mysis shrimp, cyclops, or tubifex.

• Dry: high-quality betta pellets or granules with high protein content.

Feeding Tips:

• Feed once or twice daily in small portions.

• Include live or frozen food several times a week for best color and conditioning.

• Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality and prevent obesity.

🔹 Health & Maintenance

Common Issues:

• Fin damage or bacterial infections from poor water quality.

• Stress from overly bright light or strong filtration.

• Fungal or bacterial infections if exposed to stagnant water.

Preventive Care:

• Keep water clean and parameters stable.

• Add tannin sources for mild antibacterial protection.

• Avoid sharp décor that can tear fins.

• Maintain calm surroundings — loud noises or vibrations may stress wild bettas.

Healthy Mahachai males will have intense metallic color, smooth fin edges, and may build bubble nests near floating plants.

🔹 Compatibility

🔹 Breeding & Reproduction

• Type: Bubble-nest builder.

• Courtship: Male displays his metallic colors and lures the female beneath floating cover.

• Spawning:

  • The male wraps around the female as eggs are released.

  • He collects eggs and places them into the bubble nest.

  • The female should be removed afterward to prevent aggression.

• Incubation: Eggs hatch within 36–48 hours.

• Fry Feeding: Begin with infusoria or micro-worms; later feed baby brine shrimp.

Breeding Difficulty: Moderate. Successful breeding requires stable, soft, slightly warm, and quiet conditions.

🔹 Lifespan

• Typical: 3–4 years

• Optimal Conditions: Up to 5 years

🔹 Distinctive Traits & Highlights

1. Brilliant Blue Iridescence: Scales flash electric blue or turquoise under soft lighting.

2. Graceful Spade Tail: Sleek and naturally shaped, enhancing agility.

3. Brackish Adaptability: Hardy and tolerant of varying water conditions.

4. Wild Authenticity: Retains true betta instincts and balanced temperament.

5. High Intelligence: Recognizes owners and displays interactive behavior.

🔹 Quick Summary

🔹 Summary

The Wild Betta Mahachai Blue Spade Tail Male is a breathtaking fish combining wild authenticity, dazzling blue coloration, and remarkable resilience.
Its natural metallic brilliance, gentle temperament, and ability to thrive in soft or slightly brackish water make it an outstanding choice for aquarists who value both natural beauty and hardiness.

This betta represents the perfect blend of nature’s artistry and adaptability — a living gem from Thailand’s palm-shaded waterways.

FOR DELIVERY IN KOLKATA LOCATION ONLY. IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.