Cockerels (Betta fish)

Cockerel fish or Siamese fighting fish are a type of gourami. Sometimes they are called Betta Fish – English transcription. Found naturally in Southeast Asia. The natural habitat covers vast areas from the northern provinces of Myanmar (Burma) to the islands of Malaysia and Indonesia. They inhabit sluggishly flowing shallow reservoirs, streams, rivers, swamps, located among dense tropical forests.

Description

Fish have a long history of being kept in the artificial aquarium environment. During this time, many breeding forms have been bred, which are very different from each other and completely different from their wild relatives. A common feature is an elongated, strong cylindrical body. The fins and tail of some species can reach impressive sizes. Variety of colors: red, blue, white etc.

Classical species have also been preserved, outwardly no different from those that can be seen in the swamps of Sumatra or the forest streams of Borneo. Unlike breeding varieties, their color is not so bright and varied.

Behavior

Behavioral features are not as unambiguous as one might think based on the name “Fighting Fish”. Some species are really very temperamental, others are contrary, extremely peaceful. In the first group, males are aggressive towards each other and, when they meet, they arrange fierce fights, which, however, rarely lead to death. With respect to other species, they are peaceful, unless of course fish neighbor does not look like an opponent. Males should be kept in separate tanks. However, a single content often makes them lethargic and inconspicuous, therefore, in order to keep the male in good shape, a mirror is placed in the aquarium for a while – a virtual but safe rival. Females are not so belligerent and even meek, although with a lack of space, notes of aggression may occur.

In the second group, both males and females behave quite friendly towards relatives. Of course, rivalry between males exists, but it does not have such a vivid manifestation as among representatives of the first group.

Content

Solitary fish are often kept in nano aquariumsHowever, you should not use too small tanks less than 20 liters. Arrangement is arbitrary. Water conditions should have slightly acidic pH values ​​and low hardness.

There is an opinion that the labyrinth organ makes Betta fish more hardy in comparison with other freshwater species, but this is not entirely true. It does give some advantage, however, prolonged exposure to inappropriate conditions will quickly lead to a decrease in immunity and subsequent infection. Breeding species are especially susceptible to diseases, which often develop fin rot.

Breeding

Extremely caring parents, which is not often found among fish. Bettas, usually males, guard their clutches and do not pose a threat to their fry, which may grow with them. Some species, with the onset of the mating season, build foam-air nests on the surface of the water, under wide leaves of plants or in shelters at the bottom, where eggs are placed during spawning. Others do without laying at all, taking the fertilized eggs in their mouths and carrying them with them until the fry appear. At this time, the fish do not eat and seek to retire to any quiet corner of the aquarium.

Types of fighting fish

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