Betta and orchids in the Deep South of Thailand

[00:00:16]A warm welcome and it's great that you found your way to my video.

[00:00:22]Last time we were at Zungai Golok with its incredible scenery both above and below the water. However, the deep south near the Malaysian border has even more to offer. We are now continuing to explore the region. We are visiting a wonderful waterfall with interesting flora and fauna.

[00:00:48]We take a trip to the big tree located near the rear entrance of the Hala Bala Wildlife Century and then explore the park home to magnificent orchids and a fascinating underwater world.

[00:01:05]Off to our first destination. Here is a typical construction site on the road of Thailand. There certainly don't waste any time.

[00:01:16]A quick stop on the way to the waterfall. Under a bridge is always a great spot to access the water.

[00:01:32]Care for a quick peek under water.

[00:01:46]At first glance, the water appears clear, but it's contaminated.

[00:01:52]Not all the fish are in good condition.

[00:01:54]Nevertheless, it is lovely to watch the fish.

[00:02:09]Heat.

[00:02:28]Heat.

[00:02:57]We have now reached our destination and are immediately surprised by Our first highlight here in March, the taka is in bloom. All along the path to the waterfall, more and more of these whimsical plants come into view.

[00:03:22]A small jumping spider too makes its home within one of the blossoms.

[00:03:33]After a very short hike, you reach the waterfall, which is also used by locals as a swimming spot to cool off.

[00:03:56]I very often discovered beautiful mosses and ferns at waterfalls.

[00:04:20]We're taking a look on the water. I'm in this area primarily to search for mouth brooding betas. Beta stigmosa should be found in this vicinity.

[00:04:32]However, the water right here by the waterfall isn't the right habitat. Betas are typically found in Kalma waters, usually as a little distance away from the falls.

[00:05:01]This spot serves as a good starting point to continue our search. Just as we did here, we're going to try again. This time under the bridge.

[00:05:24]First impressions. Interesting.

[00:05:50]And then we strike gold. In this small stretch of the stream, we find many truly manly better clothes at hand. A high density of fish.

[00:06:13]Truly beautiful animals with no damage to their fins.

[00:06:33]Heat. Heat.

[00:07:07]Unfortunately, I still don't know the name for sure. We already met them in Sunai Golok.

[00:07:15]Okay. I've never actually seen them moving around on the water before.

[00:07:46]Here you can take a closer look at the beta.

[00:08:15]A new day brings new opportunities.

[00:08:18]It's currently Ramadan, something you feel quite strongly down here in the deep south. However, grabbing takeout at the various large markets is fantastic and affordable.

[00:08:33]The atmosphere here is impressive, too.

[00:08:42]I've read that a certain type of ginger is known for the aromatic gill extracted from its flower clusters, which is traditionally used as a shampoo. Is this the one?

[00:09:11]Refreshed and energized, we continue on the great tree. The atmosphere there is wonderful. The walking is excellent. A few land leeches can be found in the damp spots, but provided you are well sprayed with insect repellent, this poses no problem.

[00:09:51]The taka is also native to this area.

[00:10:25]Likewise, this wonderfully blooming tree. Unfortunately, I cannot identify it.

[00:10:45]After that interesting detour, we head to the Halabala Wildlife Sanctuary. The road runs directly through it. Do you see all the orchids?

[00:10:58]It's incredible how many flowers here are and what are variety of colors they come in from almost pink to white everything is represented.

[00:11:10]Arundia are revolving bloomers meaning that a new flower constantly emerges on the same stream as the previous one fetus. Normally only one flower is open at a time through sometimes two appear briefly amidst the sea of blossoms. Yet another species appears.

[00:12:08]The main attraction for ties here is a waterfall. However, what interests us more is the river flowing further downstream. A short distance away from the falls. This is where bettera might be found. So, let's head under the bridge.

[00:12:33]The riverbed is very large, suggesting that the river swelled significantly during the rainy season. In these areas, the current is strong. No better art to be found here, but it's still worth taking a quick look.

[00:13:08]In quiet areas like this one, I got in search of better and find them very quickly. Just like the day before, the density here is high.

[00:13:25]At first, the fish are skiddish, but then curiously reverse and my camera and I are watched.

[00:13:36]So which better is it exactly? Beta ferox, Apollon and Stigmosa are closely related. Mouth breeding wild forms belonging to the beta poopnucks group.

[00:13:49]I'm not really the right person to wait in on discussions regarding nomenclature and species classification. I have now consulted several experts, but the identification was not entirely conclusive. Thank you for your assistance. I did not collect any fish specimens for closer examination. Beta Apollon is described from localities situated about 20 kilometers west of the city of Narativat. Betastic mosque occurs in Teranganu, Malaysia and we are currently situated right between these two type localities through it is high probably that these are indeed beta Apollo. I find it particularly interesting that these fish occur in such large numbers and activately interact with one another.

[00:14:44]Just a few days prior I visited the habitats of Beta Puknax. There I found only a few specimens within a given stretch of river. Naturally, I will be sharing footage of those biotopes with you on this channel as well.

[00:15:21]Thanks for your time and I hope to see you again soon. Don't forget to subscribe. Bye and good.

[00:15:35]The next trip takes us to Krabby, home to better simplex and many many others.

[00:15:57]Heat. Heat.