Fighting Fish

Fighting Fish.. known as the betta (Betta splendens). Bettas sometimes require a place to hide, even in the absence of threats. They may set up a territory centered on a plant or rocky alcove, sometimes becoming highly possessive of it and aggressive toward trespassing rivals.Two male Siamese fighting fish will fight to protect  territory. Male and female Siamese fighting fish should not be housed together unless it is for the purpose of breeding. They are likely to become aggressive with each other either before or after breeding. The aggression of this fish has been studied by ethologists and comparative psychologists.These fish have historically been the objects of gambling; two male fish are pitted against each other in a fight and betsare placed on which one will win. One fish is almost always killed as a result. To avoid this, male Siamese fighting fish are best isolated from one another. Males will occasionally even respond aggressively to their own reflections in a mirror.Though this is obviously safer than exposing the fish to another male, prolonged sight of their reflection can lead to stress in some individuals. Not all Siamese fighting fish respond negatively to other male fish, especially if not too many of them are present.       The Siamese fighting fish is a species in the gourami family which is popular as an aquarium fish. In January 2014 a large population of the fish was discovered in the Adelaide River Floodplain in the Northern Territory, Australia. usually grows to a length of about 6.5 cm (2.6 in). Although aquarium specimens are known for their brilliant colors and large, flowing fins, The natural coloration of B. splendens is a dull green, browns, and gray, and the fins of wild specimens are relatively short. Some people of Thailand and Malaysia are known to have collected these fish prior to the 19th century from the wild.In the wild, bettas spar for only a few minutes or before one fish backs off. Bred specifically for fighting, domesticated betta matches can go on for much longer, with winners determined by a willingness to continue fighting. Once one fish retreats, the match is over. Seeing the popularity of these fights, the king of Thailand started licensing and collecting these fighting fish.